22 Records

Status

Stimulopalpus japonicus reproduces through parthenogenesis, meaning that the embryos develop without the need for fertilization by a male. It is believed that S. japonicus is thelytokous (i.e., all of them are females).

Description

Adults are approximately 4 mm in length. They superficially resemble a leafhopper or micromoth. Antennae are very thin, approximately 2-3 mm long. Eyes are large and widely spaced. Top of the head is brown, divided by a thin, pale medial line and having two diffuse, light, round spots. Thorax and abdomen are not obviously demarcated. From above, both are brown with white/pale markings. On the thorax these are fine, and concentrated more towards the posterior. On the abdomen, these markings are brighter and more prominent; they tend to be curved/jagged (sometimes forming "U" shapes) on the basal half of the abdomen, and squarish on the distal half. The forewings are slightly longer than the abdomen, and rounded at the apex. Veins are broadly marked in brown. Some cells are brown, while others are white. Area on basal half near inner margin marked with fine white flecks. Hindwings are usually not visible in the field. Legs are banded brown and white. (D. Webb, pers. comm.)

Nymphs are wingless and about 1/2 to 3/4 the size of adults. The most obvious difference is that the brown is a much paler shade, and the white is replaced by dull tan. The markings on the abdomen consists of brown and tan bands of varying thickness, plus an incomplete medial line.