Tettigometridae

Definition

A family of planthoppers in the infraorder Fulgoromorpha (Hemiptera), characterized by Old World distribution and often associated with xeric or semi-arid habitats. Adults typically exhibit reduced wings or brachyptery, and many species are known for subsocial behavior, with females guarding egg masses. The family is distinguished from related fulgoromorph families by features of the head capsule, wing venation, and male genitalia.

Etymology

From Tettigometra, the type genus (Greek tettix 'cicada' + metra 'womb, mother'), with family suffix -idae.

Example

Tettigometra impressifrons, a European species, is frequently studied for its maternal care behavior and association with host plants in the Chenopodiaceae.

Related Terms

• Fulgoromorpha
• planthopper
• Hemiptera
• Auchenorrhyncha
• brachyptery
• subsociality

Usage Notes

Sometimes confused with Tettigoniidae (katydids, Orthoptera) due to similar spelling; note the -metr- root distinguishes this hemipteran family. The family is relatively small (~20 genera, ~100 species) and understudied compared to larger fulgoromorph families such as Delphacidae or Cicadellidae.