Although color polymorphism on cuticle and the genetic background have been studied for various insect taxa, those on hemipteran leafhoppers were investigated only in Eupteryx species. We found that dimorphism occurred during the nymphal stage of Exitianus indicus Distant (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with “banded” type characterized by brown to black bands on the dorsal surface and “pale” type without any bands or pigmentation. This dimorphism in dorsal bands diminished after eclosion, no polymorphism was detected during the adult stage. The genetic basis was then examined thorough crossing experiment. The results demonstrated that separation ratio was significantly biased toward banded type in a cross between banded type, whereas only pale-type F₁ progeny were obtained in pale-type interbreeding. Separation ratios were equal when crosses among the two types were made. The results suggested an involvement of a pair of alleles shows typical Mendelian inheritance. In addition, survival probability of F₁ individuals in putative purebred of banded type was significantly reduced in survival curve analysis. Lastly, we examined the nymphal duration periods of both phenotypes to elucidate adaptive significance of the dimorphism. The results indicated that dorsal pigmentation during the nymphal stage did not have any significant effect on the periods, suggesting that, at least, the dimorphism was not linked to nymphal development. The adaptive significance of the dorsal pigmentation, if any, remained unclear, and further studies are needed to determine whether such dimorphism could affect the fitness of individuals.

Compliance with the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) procedure under the Nagoya Protocol is essential for researchers working with specimens sourced internationally. However, the lack of uniform regulations across signatory countries has made compliance with the ABS procedure challenging. Hence, expanding on our previous article about ABS regulations in Indonesia, Laos, and the Philippines, we present here two additional case studies of successful ABS compliance involving Vietnam and Sri Lanka. We provide details of the procedure followed, documents required, and institutions involved in each case, supplemented by flowcharts to illustrate the process. These case studies are expected to enable researchers to effectively navigate the increasing complexity of ABS procedures.