Planthoppers

Definition

Any insect in the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a diverse group of over 12,500 described species within the suborder Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera). Planthoppers are plant-feeding insects distinguished from other auchenorrhynchans by two reliable morphological features: a bifurcate (Y-shaped) anal vein in the forewing and thickened, three-segmented antennae with a rounded or egg-shaped pedicel bearing a fine filamentous arista. Despite their name, planthoppers typically move slowly by walking and only occasionally hop; the name derives from their frequent resemblance to leaves or plant parts and their saltatorial escape response.

Etymology

From 'plant' + 'hopper', referring to plant-mimicking appearance and hopping locomotion

Example

The taro planthopper (Tarophagus colocasiae) is a specialist pest of Colocasia taro in Southeast Asia, while the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is a major rice pest whose populations are managed by resistant crop varieties and natural enemies.

Synonyms

• Fulgoromorpha

Related Terms

• Auchenorrhyncha
• Fulgoridae
• Leafhoppers
• Treehoppers
• Cicadas
• phloem feeder
• stylet
• brochosomes

Usage Notes

In strict taxonomic usage, 'planthoppers' refers specifically to Fulgoromorpha, not to all hopping plant-feeding insects. The term is sometimes applied more loosely to any small, jumping, plant-associated Hemiptera, but specialists reserve it for the infraorder. Contrast with leafhoppers (Cicadellidae, in infraorder Cicadomorpha), which have slender, bristle-like antennae and different wing venation. Some families formerly grouped here (e.g., Delphacidae) are now placed in Fulgoromorpha, while others have been reclassified; family-level taxonomy remains active.