Biosecurity threat, not present in Australia
Salurnis marginellus (Guérin-Méneville)
Mango hopper
Caution
Many of the insects depicted on these pages are outwardly similar and you should not use photographs as the sole means of identification. These pages form part of a scientific key which will assist a trained entomologist to identify the species accurately.
Salurnis marginellus (Guérin-Méneville, 1829)
Common Name: Mango hopper
Subfamily/Tribe: Flatinae/Phyllyphantini
Distribution: This species is native to Asia and is currently found in China, Vietnam, Indonesia (Sumatra), India, Hong Kong and Borneo. A report of nymphs feeding on mangroves (Murphy 1990) appears to be the first record from Singapore but this needs confirmation.Economic Status: This flatid is polyphagous, recorded from mangroves (Murphy 1990), palms (Wilson & O[Brien 1987) and many economically important plant species (e.g., oranges, mulberry, pear, mangos, longan, coffee, pepper). If the Singapore record from mangroves is verified (see above), then it indicates that Salurnis marginellus should have no problem establishing in northern Australia as the same species of mangrove is common in Australia (Lumnitzera racemosa). Not a known vector of plant viruses.
Notes: Medler (1996) provides a key with characters. Salurnis marginellus features what appear to be distinctive red markings on the green forewings of the adult, however, some native Siphanta species feature the same markings and could be easily confused for this species.
