Lycorma imperialis
| Lycorma imperialis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Infraorder: | Fulgoromorpha |
| Family: | Fulgoridae |
| Genus: | Lycorma |
| Species: | L. imperialis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Lycorma imperialis (White, 1846)
| |
| Synonyms | |
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Lycorma imperialis is a planthopper indigenous to parts of China and Indo-Malaysia. Originally discovered in 1846 by Adam White, L. imperialis has undergone a number of reclassifications since its discovery and is one of four species in the genus Lycorma. L. imperialis follows a hemimetabolous life cycle and will undergo a series of nymphal stages (instars) before maturing to an adult.
Lycorma imperialis is referred to as a "lanternfly" or "lantern bug" due to its crimson hindwings and its forewings, which can range from blue green to brick red. It does not, however, emit light. L. imperialis can cause substantial damage to agricultural industries due to its specialized, sap sucking mouthparts and the resulting mold that develops from its honeydew excrement.