Machaerotidae

Definition

A family of true bugs (Hemiptera) in the superfamily Cercopoidea, distinguished from other spittlebugs by nymphs that construct calcareous tubes rather than froth masses, and by adults that often bear a long, spine-like scutellar process superficially resembling treehoppers (Membracidae).

Etymology

Example

Machaerotus nymphs cement a hollow, calcareous tube onto host stems, remaining inside to feed on xylem sap until emergence; the adult's elevated scutellar spine and membranous wing apex distinguish it from Cercopidae froghoppers.

Synonyms

• tube-forming spittlebugs

Related Terms

• Cercopoidea
• Cercopidae
• Membracidae
• spittlebug
• scutellum
• calcareous tube

Usage Notes

Formerly treated as a subfamily of Cercopidae; now recognized as a distinct family based on nymphal tube-building behavior and adult morphology. Restricted primarily to Old World tropics. The scutellar spine is convergent with Membracidae and not homologous to the pronotal expansions of true treehoppers.