Auchenorrhyncha

Duméril, 1805

True Hoppers

Infraorder Guides

Cicadomorpha(Spittlebugs, Cicadas, Leafhoppers and Treehoppers)
Fulgoromorpha(planthoppers)

is a suborder of Hemiptera comprising cicadas, leafhoppers, treehoppers, planthoppers, and spittlebugs—groups formerly classified under ''. Members are exclusively plant-feeding insects with , distributed worldwide. Many are significant agricultural pests as of viral and fungal plant . The suborder is characterized by acoustic and , ranging from inaudible substrate vibrations to the loud calls of cicadas.

Magicicada tredecim by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.

Prosapia bicincta by (c) Jessica, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jessica. Used under a CC-BY license.

Prosapia bicincta by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

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.

Identification

can be distinguished from the related suborder Sternorrhyncha (aphids, scale insects) by the more placement of the rostrum on the . Members possess for feeding on plant fluids. Leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) are recognized by a double row of spines on the tibia of the hind leg. Cicadas are notably larger with prominent and membranous wings held roof-like over the body. Treehoppers (Membracidae) possess an enlarged, often bizarrely shaped pronotum extending over the body. Spittlebugs (Cercopoidea) nymphs produce characteristic frothy secretions.

Images

Habitat

Occurs in virtually all terrestrial supporting vascular plants, from forests and grasslands to agricultural fields and urban gardens. Specific show preferences: Cicadellidae (leafhoppers) are abundant in herbaceous vegetation including grasses; Cicadidae (cicadas) are associated with trees and shrubs where nymphs develop underground on roots; Membracidae (treehoppers) are found on woody plants; Cercopoidea nymphs develop in soil near plant roots.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution across all continents except Antarctica. is highest in tropical and subtropical regions.

Seasonality

Activity patterns vary by group. Cicadas show pronounced seasonality with many temperate having synchronized multi-year (13 or 17 years in periodical cicadas of the Magicicada). Leafhoppers and planthoppers are generally active during the growing season of their plants, with multiple per year in favorable climates. occurs as , nymphs, or depending on species.

Diet

All members are obligate plant-feeders, extracting phloem or xylem sap with . This diet requires processing large volumes of dilute fluid, resulting in production of honeydew excreted with force.

Life Cycle

Development is hemimetabolous with , nymph, and stages. Cicadas have extended nymphal periods underground (2-17 years) feeding on plant roots. Leafhoppers and related groups typically complete development in weeks to months with multiple annually. Females insert eggs into plant tissue using blade-like ovipositors, sometimes causing mechanical damage.

Behavior

Many produce audible sounds or substrate vibrations for communication, including species-specific mating calls. Leafhoppers cock their hind legs at rest, enabling rapid jumping escape responses. Some females produce brochosomes—waxy particles used to coat for protection. Nymphs of spittlebugs surround themselves with frothy secretions derived from anal fluids, providing protection from desiccation and .

Ecological Role

Primary consumers in terrestrial , converting plant sap into available to and . Serve as prey for birds, spiders, and . Many act as for plant including viruses, phytoplasmas, and bacteria, with significant economic impact on agriculture.

Human Relevance

Significant agricultural and economic importance. Many transmit devastating plant : Pierce's Disease of grapevines, maize streak virus, and numerous phytoplasma diseases. emergences cause 'flagging' damage to tree branches through oviposition. Some cicadas are consumed as food in various cultures. The loud calling songs of cicadas are culturally significant and serve as indicators of season in many regions.

Similar Taxa

SternorrhynchaFormerly grouped together as '' but distinguished by rostrum arising from between front legs (more ) and different wing venation; includes aphids, scale insects, , and whiteflies.
HeteropteraThe other major suborder of Hemiptera, comprising 'true bugs' with forewings typically half-leathery () and often predatory or habits rather than exclusive plant-feeding.

Misconceptions

Periodical cicadas are frequently mislabeled as 'locusts' due to early colonial observers confusing their mass emergences with migratory grasshopper ; this misnomer persists in popular usage despite cicadas being unrelated to grasshoppers (Orthoptera).

More Details

Etymology

From Greek αὐχήν (auchēn, 'neck' or 'throat') and ῥύγχος (rhynchos, 'snout'), referring to the position of the mouthparts.

Taxonomic Status

Monophyly of was historically debated, with some classifications splitting it into Clypeorrhyncha (= Cicadomorpha) and Archaeorrhyncha (= Fulgoromorpha). Recent molecular evidence supports monophyly. The suborder comprises two infraorders: Cicadomorpha (cicadas, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spittlebugs) and Fulgoromorpha (planthoppers).