Cicadomorpha

Definition

An infraorder of Hemiptera comprising the cicadas, leafhoppers, treehoppers, and spittlebugs. Members are characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for xylem or phloem feeding, enlarged hind femora in many lineages for jumping, and sound production via tymbal organs or substrate vibration. The group includes approximately 35,000 described extant species in three superfamilies—Cicadoidea (cicadas), Membracoidea (leafhoppers and treehoppers), and Cercopoidea (spittlebugs)—plus several extinct superfamilies notably including the "giant cicadas" of Palaeontinidae. Fossil record extends to the Late Permian.

Etymology

From New Latin Cicada (type genus) + -morpha ('form'), coined by Martynov in 1926/1927.

Example

The periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) and sharpshooters (Oncometopia spp.) both belong to Cicadomorpha but differ in life history: cicadas spend years underground as nymphs feeding on xylem, while leafhoppers complete multiple generations per season and are significant agricultural vectors of plant pathogens.

Related Terms

• Auchenorrhyncha
• Cicadoidea
• Membracoidea
• Cercopoidea
• tymbal
• xylem feeding
• Hemiptera
• Palaeontinidae
• planthopper

Usage Notes

The infraorder Cicadomorpha is sometimes grouped with Fulgoromorpha (planthoppers) within the suborder Auchenorrhyncha, though Auchenorrhyncha itself has been redefined in some phylogenetic schemes. The name Cicadomorpha Martynov, 1927 also exists as a genus of extinct giant cicadas in Palaeontinidae; context usually clarifies which rank is intended. When referring to the modern infraorder, authors may contrast it with Sternorrhyncha (aphids, scales, psyllids) and Fulgoromorpha within Hemiptera.