Delphacidae

Definition

A family of planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) distinguished from other fulgoroid families by a prominent, movable spur on the tibia of the hind leg. The family comprises approximately 2,000 described species in roughly 300 genera, distributed worldwide. Delphacids are primarily phloem feeders on grasses and sedges; several species are significant agricultural pests, including vectors of plant pathogens such as the rice stripe virus. The family includes six recognized subfamilies: Asiracinae, Delphacinae, Kelisiinae, Plesiodelphacinae, Stenocraninae, and Vizcayinae.

Etymology

From the type genus Delphax (Greek delphis 'dolphin,' perhaps alluding to body shape) + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Delphacidae) is a major pest of rice across Asia, transmitting rice grassy stunt and ragged stunt viruses.

Synonyms

• delphacid planthoppers

Related Terms

• Fulgoroidea
• Auchenorrhyncha
• planthopper
• hind tibial spur
• Nilaparvata
• Sogatella
• Laodelphax

Usage Notes

The family is monophyletic and well-supported by the autapomorphic hind tibial spur, though subfamily relationships remain under revision. Delphacidae is sometimes referred to as 'delphacids' in informal contexts. The family is the largest within Fulgoroidea and the most economically important group of planthoppers. Identification to genus often requires examination of male genitalia.