#ZooKeys ZooKeys 1245: 311-322 (2025) DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 Research Article Genus Varma (Hemiptera, Tropiduchidae): new species description and updated male and female identification keys Huan Zhou'*%®, Li He"?8®, Xiang-Sheng Chen'?°®, Zhi-Min Chang'?°© 1 Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China 2 The Provincial Special Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Insect Resources, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China 3 The Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China Corresponding author: Zhi-Min Chang (cczzmm111@126.com) OPEN Qaccess Academic editor: Mike Wilson Received: 19 February 2025 Accepted: 17 June 2025 Published: 15 July 2025 ZooBank: https://zoobank.org/ D22D114D-375F-47C0-A626- 4952C38BC672 Citation: Zhou H, He L, Chen X-S, Chang Z-M (2025) Genus Varma (Hemiptera, Tropiduchidae): new Species description and updated male and female identification keys. Zookeys 1245: 311-322. https://doi. org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 Copyright: © Huan Zhou et al. This is an open access article distributed under terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (Attribution 4.0 International - CC BY 4.0). Abstract A new species of Varma Distant, 1906, Varma microprojecta Zhou & Chang, sp. nov. (China: Yunnan) is described and illustrated. The diagnosis of the genus is updated. A checklist and updated male and female identification keys to the species of Varma in China are provided. Key words: Identification key, morphology, new species, planthopper, taxonomy, typical tropiduchids, Varma Introduction The planthopper family Tropiduchidae Stal, 1866 is a relatively small group within the superfamily Fulgoroidea (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha), comprising 683 species in 198 genera (Bourgoin 2025). The family is divided into two subfamilies: Tropi- duchinae Stal, 1866 and Elicinae Melichar, 1915, based on the shapes of gonapoph- yses IX and gonoplacs in female genitalia (Gnezdilov 2013). The Tropiduchinae, so-called “typical tropiduchids”, with a triangular posterior connective lamina of gonapophyses IX and an elongate gonoplacs, represents the larger group with 522 species in 147 genera distributed across 19 tribes (Gnezdilov 2013; Bourgoin 2025). The tribe Tropiduchini Stal, 1866 is the largest in Tropiduchinae, compris- ing 119 species in 27 genera. Morphological, phylogenetic, and zoogeographic analyses of this tribe by Wang et al. (2016) reveal that Tropiduchini represents a monophyletic group, supported by morphological synapomorphies including an asymmetrical pygofer and gonostyli. The Varma+ clade is identified as the proba- ble oldest lineage within the tribe, with a likely origin in continental China. The genus Varma Distant, 1906 was established with the type species Serida fervens Walker, 1857 from Borneo (Distant 1906). To date, nine species of this ge- nus are known (Bourgoin 2025), of which five species have been reported in China, including V. gibbosa Wang & Liang, 2008, V. bimaculata Wang & Liang, 2008, V. ser- rata Men & Qin, 2010, V. falcata Chang & Chen, 2014 and V. lobata Chang & Chen, 2014 (Wang and Liang 2008; Men et al. 2010; Chang et al. 2014). Little attention had been given to female genitalia in species identification until Chang et al. (2014) demonstrated the diagnostic value of the endogonocoxal lobe and sternite VII. 311 Huan Zhou et al.: One new species of Varma in tribe Tropiduchini This paper aims to describe a new species, Varma microprojecta Zhou & Chang, sp. nov., from Yunnan, China, and to provide updated identification keys to Chinese Varma species for both males and females, based on the first col- lection of female specimens of Varma bimaculata Wang & Liang, 2008 and in- cluding the newly described species. Material and methods The external morphology was observed under a stereo microscope. The in- sect's body size was measured using a Nikon SMZ25 digital imaging system. All measurements are in millimeters (mm). Habitus images were taken using a Canon 5D Mark IV digital camera with an MP-E 65 mm f/2.8 1-5x macro lens and a Godox MF12 flash as the light source. Multiple layers were stacked using Zerene Stacker v. 1.04. Abdomens of the examined specimens were removed and macerated in 10% KOH overnight, washed in water, and then transferred into glycerine. Genitalia were observed and illustrated under a Leica MZ 12.5 stereomicroscope. The photographs and illustrations were imported into Ado- be Photoshop v. 23.0.0 for labeling and plate composition. The external morphological terminology follows Bourgoin and Huang (1990) and Bourgoin et al. (2015), and the terminology for female genitalia follows Bourgoin (1993) and Song et al. (2024) for male genitalia. The type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC). The metatibiotarsal formula IT-(aT-d)/al/all corresponds to the number of lateral teeth (IT) and apical teeth (aT) on the metatibia bearing a diastema (d), the number of apical teeth on the first (al) and second (all) metatarsomere. Taxonomy Family Tropiduchidae Stal, 1866 Subfamily Tropiduchinae Stal, 1866 Tribe Tropiduchini Stal, 1866 Genus Varma Distant, 1906 Varma Distant, 1906: 330; Distant 1909: 171; Melichar 1914: 117; Wang and Liang 2008: 116; Men et al. 2010: 93; Chang et al. 2014: 23. Type species. Varma fervens Walker, 1857, Distant 1906: 330, by original designation. Diagnosis. See Chang et al. (2014), with in addition, the spinulation of the hind leg is 3-(6(5)-0)/5(6)/2. The gonapophyses VIII (first valvular) of the fe- male genitalia has 2—4 distinct teeth on the ventral margin (e.g., Fig. 2D, 4D). Distribution. Oriental region, including South China, India, Indonesia, Malay- sia, Sri Lanka (Fig. 5). Checklist of Varma Distant, 1906 in China V. bimaculata Wang & Liang, 2008; Xizang V. falcata Chang & Chen, 2014; Guizhou ZooKeys 1245: 311-322 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 a9 Huan Zhou et al.: One new species of Varma in tribe Tropiduchini V. gibbosa Wang & Liang, 2008; Xizang V. lobata Chang & Chen, 2014; Yunnan V. microprojecta Zhou & Chan, sp. nov.; Yunnan V. serrata Men & Qin, 2010; Hunan, Yunnan Key to the species of genus Varma Distant, 1906 in China (modified from Chang et al. 2014) Based on male genitalia, ¢ 1 Pygofer with posterior margin produced into a distinct process on the (IGINLA ns A eee cae en en coe ee 2 —— .Pyqofer withoutesuch’a ProCess 6 hn. s et lanewct Pep tec dh corrte tai nalernealeas 4 2 Right posterior margin process of pygofer trapezoidal ...............ccceeeeees 3 - Right posterior margin process of pygofer produced into a strip (see Chang et al. 2014: figs 29, 32)... cece ceeseeees V. lobata Chang & Chen 3. Aedeagus with a pediform flat plate and wing-shaped lobe on the right side (see Men et al. 2010: fig. 2G).........cccccceseeeeeeeeeee V. serrata Men & Qin - Aedeagus with a fusion of two semicircular plate-like structures and a glove-like structure on the right side (Fig. 3J, K) ........cccccscccsesscsseseeseenseseens SE River css tenee vance ones deena V. microprojecta Zhou & Chang, sp. nov. 4 Gonostyli with a subcircular or subglobose lobe at apical inner mar- GOUT, Ua heel later aaterae Oe Anteater ate Ghasens cit: mins een ian iain oc in eae ee 5 - Gonostyli with a falcate lobe at apical inner margin (see Chang et al. 2014: BCh ses bss Age ot see td Ree nN ee V. falcata Chang & Chen 5 Aedeagus with apical part expanded into two hemispherical protuber- ances, curved through about 180 degrees (see Wang and Liang 2008: TOS 1B; 0) - 65 teseaty ont onl eae ia aks eeesaianes V. gibbosa Wang & Liang - Aedeagus with apical part expanded into a hemispherical protuberance, curved through about 90 degrees, then extended into an irregularly con- torted scoop-shape plate (see Wang and Liang 2008: figs 21, 22).............. PesReasehinc ta nots Stesdeee abr pbd sce Rides MaP a ee Ate tee Ie oR eet V. bimaculata Wang & Liang Based on female genitalia, 2 1 Posterior margin of sternite VII with a median triangular projection......... 2 - Posterior margin of sternite VII relatively straight or with a median DS Fe ret Rete ge esos coral sn ite ty vs ey iri osama s Cara Anas rene ut Sy tues eee oe 3 2 Sternite VII with a median, posteriorly directed symmetrical triangular projection; endogonocoxal lobe with paw-like protrusions, broader on left side, slender on right (see Chang et al. 2014: fig. 17).......ccccccescsseeseeseeeees PF ci, ea eh RE OI da i ea V. falcata Chang & Chen - Sternite VII with asymmetrical median triangular projection directed left posterior; endogonocoxal lobe with left finger-like and right beak-like pro- TRUSIORSHEICN ZC). Sac aes chy as Hetrorreedvdeotosees V. bimaculata Wang & Liang 3. Sternite VII without median pit; endogonocoxal lobe extending irregularly in a triangular protrusion (see Chang et al. 2014: fig. 36)... Mesieesatiaeibs weiter watehtins sty Cees neeeee FR. tokte duatansteeh@OBMahLGvAs son cFe V. lobata Chang & Chen = ees COnaite Y [Wirth ai MOC ANYON 1 5. wccretees! uartertacnpscel tin scnsarrhetld Manracthacatets a Zookeys 1245: 311-322 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 313 Huan Zhou et al.: One new species of Varma in tribe Tropiduchini 4 — Sternite VII with a semicircular shallow pit in middle, endogonocoxal lobe extending irregularly in a left triangular and right falculate protrusions (see Chang etal 2OVAETIG: ZO} rvs .ncurseracchenanarbodensaceee V. gibbosa Wang & Liang - Sternite VII with a barrel-shaped pit in middle, endogonocoxal lobe extend- ing asymmetrically in irregular StriP@S.................:ceceescecesssecesessecessseeeesenneees 5 5 Endogonocoxal lobe produced in irregular stripes with triangular projec- tion on the right side (see Chang et al. 2014: fig. 39)... ee eeeeeees Dultvs (Deras xp tin dekaeaa vn stm Petree ty eco terde a Suunto eruec va Aide ceticn aber V. serrata Men & Qin - Endogonocoxal lobe produced irregular stripes without triangular projec- tion on the right side (Fig. 4C) .....V. microprojecta Zhou & Chang, sp. nov. Varma bimaculata Wang & Liang, 2008 Figs 1A-B, 2A-H Varma bimaculata Wang & Liang, 2008: 120. Material examined. - 24, 329, CHINA Xizang, Beibeng (29°14'26'N, 95°10'29"E), 13 Aug. 2022, Y.-J. Sui. Distribution. China (Xizang). Description. See Wang and Liang 2008 Female genitalia. Genitalia symmetrical on both sides, except for endogono- coxal lobe and sternite VII (Fig. 2A, C). Anal tube (Fig. 2A) symmetrical elon- gate, with anal styles not exceeding its apex. Gonapophyses VIII (first valvular) (Fig. 2B, D) strongly sclerotized, saw-like, with 7 distinct teeth on the dorsal margin, 2 distinct teeth on the ventral margin, numerous small, indistinct teeth along both margins. Gonapophyses IX (second valvula) (Fig. 2E—G) reduced, triangular, bilaterally symmetrical, lateral margins somewhat sclerotized, re- mainder largely membranous. Gonoplace (third valvula) (Fig. 2B, H) broad, membranous, with about 12 teeth on the ventral margin and apical margin. En- dogonocoxal lobe (Fig. 2C) at the base of the gonapophyses VIII produced me- sad finger-like on the left side and beak-like on the right side. Posterior margin of sternite VII (Fig. 2C) with asymmetrically median triangular projection, the tip of process directed to the left posterior in ventral view. Remarks. The female genitalia of this species are similar to those of V. falcata, but can be distinguished by the posterior margin of sternite VII bear- ing an asymmetrically triangular projection pointing to the left posterior in ven- tral view (vs a symmetrical median triangular projection, directed to middle posterior in V. falcata). Additionally, the endogonocoxal lobe has a finger-like protrusion on the left side and a beak-like protrusion on the right side (vs broad- er paw-like protrusions on the left and slender ones on right side in V. falcata). Varma microprojecta Zhou & Chang, sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/745D3A19-7A5C-4B9B-8B75-F29463CB0441 Figs 1C—-D, 3A-K, 4A-H Type material. Holotype: > <¢, CHINA Yunnan Province, Baoshan City, Baihual- ing National Nature Reserve (25°17'22"N, 98°48'25"E), 6 Aug. 2013, W.-C. Yang. ZooKeys 1245: 311-322 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 314 Huan Zhou et al.: One new species of Varma in tribe Tropiduchini | ; se HI Figure 1. Male habitus of Varma species. A, B. Varma bimaculata Wang & Liang, 2008; C, D. Varma microprojecta Zhou & Chang, sp. nov.; A, C. Dorsal view; B, D. Lateral view. Scale bars: 1 mm. Paratypes: + ¢, same data as holotype, 5 Aug. 2013, W.-C. Yang; * 4, same data as holotype, 4 Aug. 2013, Z.-H. Fan; 299, same data as holotype, 6 Aug. 2013, W.-C. Yang and H-Y. Sun. 315 ZooKeys 1245: 311-322 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 Huan Zhou et al.: One new species of Varma in tribe Tropiduchini F Figure 2. Female genitalia of Varma bimaculata Wang & Liang. A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Ventral view; D. Go- napophyses VIII, lateral view; E. Gonapophyses IX, ventral view; F. Gonapophyses IX, dorsal view; G. Gonapophyses IX, lateral view; H. Gonoplace, inner view from the apex. Abbreviations: ACL, anterior connective lamina of gonapophyses VIII; Gp |, first lobe (lateral lobe) of gonoplace; Gp II, second lobe (posterior lobe) of gonoplace; GxL, endogonocoxal lobe; GxP, endogonocoxal process; Gx VIII, gonocoxae VIII; PCL, posterior connective lamina. Scale bars: 1 mm. Description. Measurements. Body length (from apex of vertex to tip of fore- wings): male 8.0-8.8 mm (N = 3), female 9.4-9.5 mm (N = 2). Coloration. General color pale green to stramineous yellow. Vertex, prono- tum and mesonotum grayish green to pale ocherous. Forewings pale green or pale yellow, with nine irregular brownish spots around basal and middle part, and near nodal lines. Hind wings transparent. Head and thorax. Vertex (Figs 1C, 3A) unicarinate, distinctly broader than long in middle line (2.9: 1), projecting in front of the eyes; disc depressed; anterior ZooKeys 1245: 311-322 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 316 Huan Zhou et al.: One new species of Varma in tribe Tropiduchini margin arched and convex; posterior margin triangularly concave. Frons (Fig. 3C) with stout median carina, distinctly longer medially than its maximum width. (1.4: 1), lateral margins subparallel, with an arched frontoclypeal sulcus. Clypeus trian- gular, broadly rounded, with stout median carina, without lateral carinae (Fig. 3C). Pronotum (Figs 1C, 3A) tricarinate, wider than long in middle (4.0: 1) and longer than vertex in middle (1.4: 1), anterior margin distinctly arched convexly, poste- rior margin obtusely concave. Mesonotum (Figs 1C, 3A) tricarinated, wider than long in middle (1.4: 1), and longer than vertex and pronotum together (1.6: 1), median carina straight, reaching to mesoscutellum, lateral carinae curving anteri- orly towards median carina. Forewing (Fig. 3D) subhyaline, 2.6 times longer than widest breadth (2.6: 1), anterior and posterior margins parallel, costal cell with 13 oblique transverse veins, SCP+R vein forked near basal 1/4, MP vein simple, CuA forked two branches in basal 1/3, CuP simple, claval veins Pcu and A, uniting in middle of tegmina, nodal line and subapical line distinct. Hind wing hyaline, vena- tion simple as in Fig. 3E. The spinulation of the hind leg is 3-(6-0)/6/2. Male genitalia. Anal tube symmetrical, long, its base narrow, widest in mid- dle; anal style relatively small, not exceeding the tip of the anal tube (Fig. 3F—H). Pygofer (Fig. 3F-1) asymmetrical, left side (Fig. 3F, G) irregularly broad and tri- angular, with the posterior margin produced caudally into short finger-like pro- cesses near the middle; right side subquadrate, with the posterior margin bear- ing quadrilateral processes. Gonostyli asymmetrical, falciform in lateral view, bearing a large hook-like process on the left side, and a smaller one on the right side (Fig. 3G—l). In ventral view, gonostyli basal 2/3 fused, with micro projection on the apical margin (Fig. 31). Aedeagus (Fig. 3G, H, J, K) relatively long, tubular, narrow at base and expanded apex, divided into two parts at the apex, one part ribbon-like with jagged edges, the other part with fusion of two semicircular pro- jection and a glove-like projection, both with serrated margins. Phallotreme fis- sure-like, exposed in middle. Corpus connectivi robust, tubular (Fig. 3G, H, J, K). Female genitalia. Genitalia bilaterally symmetrical, except for endogonocoxal lobe and sternite VII (Fig. 4A, C). Anal tube symmetrical, long, base narrow, widest in middle, style small, not exceed the apex of anal tube (Fig. 4A, B). Gonapophyses VIII (first valvula) (Fig. 4B, D) saw-like, strongly sclerotized, with 7 distinct teeth on the dorsal margin, 4 distinct teeth on the ventral margin, and numerous indistinct, small teeth along both margins. Gonapophyses IX (second valvula) (Fig. 4E-G) reduced, triangular, bilaterally symmetrical, lateral margins somewhat sclerotized, remainder largely membranous. Gonoplace (third valvula) (Fig. 4B, H) broad, membranous, with 11 teeth on the ventral margin and apical margin. Endogono- coxal lobe (Fig. 4C) at the base of gonapophyses VIII produced mesad irregular stripes, left stripe straight, with apical part somewhat extension, and right stripe cambered, apical part swollen. Posterior margin of sternite VII (Fig. 4C) with an asymmetrical median deep pit, forming two irregular protrusions in ventral view. Host plant. Unknown. Etymology. The name of the new species is given for the presence of a mi- croprojection on the apical margin of the gonostyli. Distribution. China (Yunnan). Remarks. This new species resembles V. serrata Men & Qin, 2010, but is dis- tinguished from the latter by: 1) posterior margin of pygofer with quadrilateral processes on the right side (vs posterior margin of pygofer with trapezoidal lobe on the right side in V. serrata); 2) aedeagus of male genitalia with a slender ZooKeys 1245: 311-322 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 a7 Huan Zhou et al.: One new species of Varma in tribe Tropiduchini | TT K Figure 3. Varma microprojecta Zhou & Chang, sp. nov. male. A. Head and thorax, dorsal view; B. Head and thorax, left view; C. Head and thorax, ventral view; D. Forewing; E. Hindwing; F. Pygofer and anal tube, dorsal view; G. Male genitalia, left view; H. Male genitalia, right view; I. Pygofer and genital styles, ventral view; J. Aedeagus, left view; K. Aedeagus, right view. Abbreviations: as, anal style; at, anal tube (segment X); dmp, dorsal margin of pygofer; gs, gonostyli; hpg, hook-like process of gonostyli; pg, pygofer; pmpg, posterior margin of pygofer; pt, phallotheca; vmp, ventral margin of pygofer. Scale bars: 1 mm. ZooKeys 1245: 311-322 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 318 Huan Zhou et al.: One new species of Varma in tribe Tropiduchini Figure 4. Female genitalia of Varma microprojecta Zhou & Chang, sp. nov. A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Ventral view; D. Gonapophyses VIII, lateral view; E. Gonapophyses IX, ventral view; F. Gonapophyses IX, dorsal view; G. Gonapophyses IX, lateral view; H. Gonoplace, inner view from the apex. Abbreviations: ACL, anterior connective lamina of gonapophyses VII; Gp I, first lobe (lateral lobe) of gonoplace; Gp II, second lobe (posterior lobe) of gonoplace; GxL, endogonocoxal lobe; GxP, endogonocoxal process; Gx VIII, gonocoxae VIII; PCL, posterior connective lamina. Scale bars: 1 mm. ribbon-like projection on the left side, one part with a fusion of two semicircular plate-like projection on the upper part and a glove-like projection on the right side, both with serrated margins (vs absent in V. serrata); 3) gonostyli with a mi- cro projection on the apical margin (but with a semicircular lobe in V. serrata); and 4) endogonocoxal lobe of female genitalia with smooth stripe on the right side (vs with a triangular projection in V. serrata). ZooKeys 1245: 311-322 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1245.150663 319 Huan Zhou et al.: One new species of Varma in tribe Tropiduchini Oceania * V.fervens @ V.tridens