Lycorma imperialis information

Lycorma imperialis
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
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)
Subspecies
L. i. imperialis (White, 1846) L. i. punicea Hope, 1843
Synonyms
Aphana imperialis White, 1846 Aphaena imperialis Westwood, 1848 Aphaena placabilis Walker, 1858 Aphana placabilis Atkinson, 1885 Lycorma imperialis placabilis Distant, 1906 Lycorma imperialis var. placabilis Metcalf, 1947

Lycorma imperialis is a planthopper indigenous to parts of China and Indo-Malaysia. L. imperialis was originally discovered in 1846 by Adam White and has one recognized non-nominate subspecies, L. i. punicea. 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 and L. i. punicea are referred to as "lanternflies" or "lantern bugs" due to their crimson hindwings and their forewings, which can range from blue green to brick red. They do 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.