Ledrinae

Fairmaire, 1855

Flat-headed Leafhoppers

Genus Guides

Xerophloea

Ledrinae is a of leafhoppers within Cicadellidae, comprising approximately 300 across 38 in five tribes (Ledrini, Rubrini, Xerophloeini, Afrorubrini, and Hespenedrini). The group represents an early-branching, morphologically distinctive lineage considered one of the oldest within Cicadellidae. A major 2009 revision redefined the subfamily's boundaries, removing Stenocotini and Thymbrini to Tartessinae and synonymizing Petalocephalini with Ledrini. Diversity is concentrated in Australia, Africa, and the Oriental region, with China alone hosting over 180 species.

Xerophloea peltata by (c) Toby, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Toby. Used under a CC-BY license.

Xerophloea peltata by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ledrinae: /lɛˈdrɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Cicadellidae by a dorsoventrally flattened body, ocelli positioned near the crown, and forewings with a dense reticulate venation pattern. Coloration is typically green or brown. The flattened and body profile separates Ledrinae from most other leafhopper , which tend toward more cylindrical or rounded body forms.

Images

Habitat

Broadleaf forests; specific associations include oak (Quercus) woodland.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with centers of diversity in Australia, Africa, the Indomalayan region, and the Oriental region. China contains 28 and over 180 . The tribe Afrorubrini is restricted to southern Africa; Hespenedrini is to Chile; Rubrini is restricted to Australia.

Similar Taxa

TartessinaeFormerly included tribes Stenocotini and Thymbrini, now removed to this separate based on phylogenetic analysis; distinguished by different morphological character states placing them outside the Ledrinae lineage.
EvacanthinaeRecovered as sister group to Ledrinae in molecular phylogenetic analyses; similar in being an early-branching cicadellid lineage but distinguished by morphological and genetic differences.