Systematic studies on leafhoppers (Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) are carried out with the aim of elucidating their biodiversity in the Grassland and Savanna Biomes. These insects are very common in grassland, with a large diversity of endemic species. Current emphasis is on the wingless forms that are most vulnerable to changes in their habitat. These insects can be used as indicators of grassland conditions, such as influence by grazing, burning, agricultural practices and rehabilitation. Routine work involves thrips and the pentatomorpha group of the true bugs.
Michael Stiller
Research activities
Routine identifications are done of cicadas, planthoppers,
spittlebugs and treehoppers (Auchenorrhyncha) and stink bugs (suborder
Heteroptera: Coreidae), shield bugs (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae) and seed bugs
(Heteroptera: Lygaeidae), as part of the insect identification service of the
PPRI Biosystematics Division
Routine identification of thrips (Order Thysanoptera) is
carried out with the aid of the large reference collection built up by J.C.
Fauré, E.K. Hartwig and R. Zur Strassen. Courses have been presented on the
identification techniques and survey material has been examined although the
relatively small number of common pest species makes up the bulk of
enquiries
Current research involves the systematics of grass-feeding
leafhoppers of the Grassland and Savanna Biome of Southern Africa. The revision
of Nicolaus was published in 1998. This is a grass-feeding leafhopper
genus with 24 species found throughout Africa. The endemic Southern African
leafhopper genus, Elginus (24 species) and Drakensbergena (18
species) have been revised in 2009. Another endemic genus, Pravistylus
with 30 species, Vilargus (9 species) and number of new genera are
being examined at present. A number of genera that are also found commonly in
grasslands are probably associated with forbs and will form part of future
studies
An unusual association between ants and leafhoppers on a
monocotyledonous plant, Xerophyta (Baboon’s tail) is being studied. So
far four species of ants have been identified and it seems that the ants protect
the leafhoppers and utilise the sweet liquid expelled by the
leafhoppers
