Leafhoppers and Treehoppers
Membracoidea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
- Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
- Superfamily: Membracoidea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Membracoidea: /mɛm.bræˈkɔɪ.di.ə/
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Images
Summary
Membracoidea, a large and diverse superfamily within the Auchenorrhyncha, includes leafhoppers and treehoppers. The superfamily's classification is unstable, with ongoing phylogenetic analysis revealing intricate relationships among its families.
Physical Characteristics
Incomplete tentorium, enlarged midcoxae, mid and hind tibiae with rows of setae.
Identification Tips
Identification can be based on anatomical features such as the structure of the midcoxae and the arrangement of setae on the tibiae.
Habitat
Predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Neotropical areas.
Distribution
Widely distributed, particularly in New Zealand, Chile, and South America.
Diet
Sap-sucking from plants.
Life Cycle
Typically undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with stages including egg, nymph, and adult.
Reproduction
Reproduction involves laying eggs on or near host plants; often with ovipositor adaptations for specific plants.
Ecosystem Role
Important in ecosystems as herbivores and as prey for various predators.
Economic Impact
Can be significant agricultural pests affecting crops, but also contribute to biodiversity.
Evolution
Phylogenetic analysis suggests treehoppers derived from leafhoppers, indicating complex evolutionary relationships.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Confusion regarding classification due to instability in taxonomy and historical morphological classifications.
Tags
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Hemiptera
- Membracoidea
- Insects
- Leafhoppers
- Treehoppers