Fulgoridae

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Lore & Background

The head of some Fulgoridae species is produced into a hollow process, resembling a snout, which is sometimes inflated and nearly as large as the body of the insect, sometimes elongated, narrow and apically upturned. It was believed, mainly on the authority of Maria Sibylla Merian, that this process, the so-called lantern, was luminous at night in the living insect. Carl Linnaeus adopted the statement without question and coined a number of specific names, such as laternaria, phosphorea and candelaria to illustrate the supposed fact, and thus propagated the myth. Taxonomically, Metcalf in 1938, as amended in 1947, recognized five subfamilies (Amyclinae, Aphaeninae, Fulgorinae, Phenacinae, and Poiocerinae) and twelve tribes in the Fulgoridae. By 1963 Lallemand had divided the Fulgoridae into eight subfamilies (Amyclinae, Aphaeninae, Enchophorinae, Fulgorinae, Phenacinae, Poiocerinae, Xosopharinae and Zanninae) and eleven tribes. This classification was generally accepted. However, 21st century molecular analysis has called into question the organization of Fulgoridae, and suggests that the subfamily Zanninae may not belong in Fulgoridae.

Reader's Guide

The Fulgoridae family holds significance both as a diverse group of tropical insects and as a subject of a notable historical myth. Their brilliant and varied coloration often leads to superficial resemblance to Lepidoptera, and they are commonly called lanternflies due to a belief, promoted by Maria Sibylla Merian and adopted by Carl Linnaeus, that the hollow head process was luminous at night. This myth was perpetuated through Linnaeus's naming of species like laternaria, phosphorea, and candelaria. Taxonomically, the family has undergone several classifications, from Metcalf's five subfamilies in 1938 to Lallemand's eight in 1963, though 21st century molecular analysis has raised questions about the placement of the subfamily Zanninae. The legacy of Fulgoridae includes their role in entomological history as a case study in how authoritative figures can propagate scientific error, as well as their ongoing taxonomic revision. Their diversity in the tropics and distinctive morphology continue to make them a subject of study, with genera like Fulgora and Pyrops remaining well-known. The suppression of the genus name Laternaria as a senior synonym of Pyrops and the reclassification of some species to other families (e.g., Pyrilla to Lophopidae) reflect ongoing refinement in hemipteran systematics.

Did You Know?

• The family Fulgoridae contains over 125 genera worldwide.
• Carl Linnaeus coined specific names such as laternaria, phosphorea and candelaria based on the belief that the head process was luminous.
• Maria Sibylia Merian was the main authority for the belief that the head process (the 'lantern') was luminous at night.
• Laternaria is a suppressed senior synonym of the genus Pyrops.
• 21st century molecular analysis suggests the subfamily Zanninae may not belong in Fulgoridae.

Taxonomy and the Long Road to a Name

The family Fulgoridae has undergone several taxonomic revisions. Metcalf in 1938, as amended in 1947, recognized five subfamilies: Amyclinae, Aphaeninae, Fulgorinae, Phenacinae, and Poiocerinae, along with twelve tribes. By 1963 Lallemand had divided the Fulgoridae into eight subfamilies: Amyclinae, Aphaeninae, Enchophorinae, Fulgorinae, Phenacinae, Poiocerinae, Xosopharinae and Zanninae, and eleven tribes. This classification was generally accepted. However, 21st century molecular analysis has called into question the organization of Fulgoridae, and suggests that the subfamily Zanninae may not belong in Fulgoridae. Additionally, Laternaria is a suppressed senior synonym of Pyrops, Pyrilla Stål, 1859 is now placed in the Lophopidae, and the type species of genus Apossoda, A. togoensis Schmidt, 1911 is now placed as Pyrgoteles togoensis (Schmidt, 1911).

A Study in Contrasting Colors

The source does not cover this section's content about spotted lanternfly morphology, coloration, or sexual dimorphism. The source only states that Fulgoridae are mostly of moderate to large size, many with a superficial resemblance to Lepidoptera due to their brilliant and varied coloration.

From Native Range to Global Pest

The source does not cover this section's content about spotted lanternfly native range, behavior, or egg masses. The source only states that Fulgoridae are especially abundant and diverse in the tropics.

The Cost of Control

The source does not cover this section's content about invasive species control or ecological costs. The source only discusses the taxonomy and historical myth of Fulgoridae.