True Hoppers
Auchenorrhyncha
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Auchenorrhyncha: /ˌɔːkɪnoʊˈrɪŋkə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
The Auchenorrhyncha suborder includes familiar groups such as cicadas, leafhoppers, treehoppers, planthoppers, and spittlebugs, primarily characterized by their feeding habits on plants and potential as disease vectors.
Physical Characteristics
Free-living Hemipterans with 3 segmented tarsi and bristle-like short antennae. Cicadas are larger with membranous wings, while hoppers are typically small with thickened front wings.
Identification Tips
Cicadomorpha typically have a larger clypeus that may reach the crown of the head; Fulgoromorpha possess a smaller clypeus restricted to the lower face. Antennae are segmented in Cicadomorpha but lack bulbous bases found in Fulgoromorpha.
Habitat
Distributed worldwide, inhabiting areas where they can access their primary food source, green plants; some nymphs can be found in caves, and some hoppers are subterranean.
Distribution
Worldwide, with about 1500 species known from Canada and possibly twice that number undocumented.
Diet
Most leafhoppers and planthoppers feed on green plants, with many showing extreme host specificity. Some nymphs feed on fungi; others may not eat as adults and survive on fat reserves.
Life Cycle
Involves various nymph stages with some species spending a portion of their lives underground or in caves. Communication is often through audible calls or substrate vibrations.
Ecosystem Role
Plant-feeders and some are vectors for viral and fungal diseases in plants, influencing plant health and ecosystems.
Cultural Significance
Known for producing characteristic sounds, particularly cicadas, which can be a signature of the bush environment, adding cultural and auditory significance.
Evolution
There is ongoing debate regarding the monophyletic status of Auchenorrhyncha, with recent evidence supporting that it is indeed a monophyletic lineage.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Not all members of this group are capable of hopping, despite the common name 'True Hoppers'.
Tags
- Auchenorrhyncha
- True Hoppers
- Hemiptera
- insects