Cicadas, Spittlebugs, Leafhoppers, and Treehoppers
Cicadomorpha
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
- Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cicadomorpha: /sɪˌkædəˈmɔrfə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Cicadomorpha is an infraorder of plant-feeding insects within Hemiptera, encompassing cicadas, leafhoppers, treehoppers, and spittlebugs, with significant ecological roles and a world-wide distribution.
Physical Characteristics
Members of Cicadomorpha have specialized mouthparts adapted for piercing plant tissues and are notable for their ability to produce sounds through vibrating membranes, particularly in cicadas.
Identification Tips
Look for characteristics such as a broadly concave face, distinctively shaped wings, and the ability to make audible sounds.
Habitat
Cicadomorpha are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and shrubs, where they typically inhabit areas rich in host plants.
Distribution
Cicadomorpha are distributed worldwide, with approximately 35,000 described species.
Diet
All members are plant-feeders, primarily feeding on the xylem or phloem sap of plants.
Life Cycle
Typically undergo simple metamorphosis, with distinct egg, nymph, and adult stages.
Reproduction
Eggs are usually laid in plant tissues; nymphs emerge and feed on plant sap in the soil or on the plants.
Predators
Predatory insects, birds, and other wildlife typically predate on Cicadomorpha.
Ecosystem Role
As herbivores, they play a significant role in their ecosystems by influencing plant health and growth.
Economic Impact
Some species may cause damage to crops or ornamental plants, but they also play important roles in ecosystems that can have economic benefits.
Cultural Significance
Cicadas, in particular, have cultural significance in various societies, often being associated with summer and used in literature and art.
Collecting Methods
- Netting
- Hand collection
- Light traps
Preservation Methods
- Drying
- Freezing
- Ethanol preservation
Evolution
Earliest fossils appear in the Late Permian; they have a complex evolutionary history with unresolved phylogenetic relationships in some clades.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
There are common misconceptions that all Cicadomorpha are cicadas; however, this infraorder includes diverse groups like leafhoppers and spittlebugs.
Tags
- Cicadas
- Leafhoppers
- Treehoppers
- Spittlebugs
- Insects