Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 July 2009
Hybrids of Nephotettix virescens (Dist.) and N. nigropictus (Stål) have been bred in the laboratory, and they could transmit rice tungro virus even though only one of the parents is a vector. In the present paper, evidence is presented based on coloration and on male genitalia that suggests that such hybrids occur in nature. The potential danger from such hybrid vectors is pointed out, and taxonomists are alerted to the risk of accepting such hybrids as new species, thus completely hiding their potential as vectors.