Planthoppers

Fulgoromorpha

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Fulgoromorpha

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Fulgoromorpha: //fʌl.ɡɔːr.oʊˈmɔːr.fə//

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

Images

Cixiid Planthopper - Flickr - treegrow (1) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Conomelus anceps - Flickr - S. Rae (1) by S. Rae from Scotland, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cixius nervosus - a lacehopper - Flickr - S. Rae by S. Rae from Scotland, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pintalia vibex P1280831a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Conomelus anceps - Flickr - S. Rae (4) by S. Rae from Scotland, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cixius nervosus (Cixiidae) - (female imago), Arnhem, the Netherlands by

This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands.
. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Planthoppers (Fulgoromorpha) are a diverse group of insects within the suborder Auchenorrhyncha, notable for their plant-feeding habits and ability to vector plant diseases. Though they can resemble parts of plants, their unique morphological traits assist in their identification.

Physical Characteristics

Planthoppers are laterally flattened with broad wings that are held vertically in a tent-like fashion. Adult females often produce wax for protection of their eggs. Nymphs produce wax from specialized glands on their abdominal terga.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from other Auchenorrhyncha by the bifurcate (Y-shaped) anal vein in the forewing and the thickened, three-segmented antennae with a round or egg-shaped second segment (pedicel) that bears a fine filamentous arista.

Habitat

Distributed worldwide, planthoppers predominantly inhabit areas with vegetation, as they are plant-feeders.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with over 12,500 described species globally.

Diet

All members of this group are plant-feeders, typically sucking sap from plants.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes both nymph and adult stages, where nymphs produce honeydew and can be significant vectors for plant diseases.

Reproduction

Adult females of many planthopper families produce wax to protect their eggs.

Ecosystem Role

Planthoppers play a role in plant health as they can transmit diseases such as phytoplasmas when feeding on plants.

Economic Impact

Some species, such as Haplaxius crudus, are considered pests due to their role as vectors for diseases affecting crops, such as lethal yellowing of coconut palms.

Evolution

The infraorder Fulgoromorpha has both extant and numerous extinct families, with fossils dating back to the Early Jurassic.

Misconceptions

Planthoppers are often misunderstood due to their resemblance to benign plant material, leading to underestimation of their pest potential.