Cixiidae

Spinola, 1839

cixiid planthoppers

Subfamily Guides

2

A of small fulgoroid planthoppers comprising over 2,000 in more than 150 worldwide. are typically less than one centimeter in length and often inconspicuous. Nymphs develop underground feeding on roots, while adults feed on herbs, shrubs, and trees. Several species are economically significant as of phytoplasma affecting coconut palms, grapevines, sugar beets, and lilies.

Haplaxius slossonae by (c) Thomas Koffel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Koffel. Used under a CC-BY license.Melanoliarus complectus by (c) Hopper Museum, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hopper Museum. Used under a CC-BY license.Melanoliarus complectus by (c) Hopper Museum, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hopper Museum. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cixiidae: /sɪkˈsɪ.iː.aɪdiː/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other planthopper by combination of small size, elongated , narrower than pronotum, and hind tibial spination. Male genitalia provide reliable specific characters where external features fail. Forewing venation with minute setae on differs from many related families.

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Distribution

Worldwide distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. In China, 253 occur across eight zoogeographical regions with Taiwan hosting the most diverse fauna (161 species, 70.81% ). Madeira archipelago supports five species including one endemic. Canada records 11 species. Australia and New Zealand harbor significant endemic diversity including Gondwanan relict lineages.

Diet

Nymphs feed underground on plant roots. feed on herbs, shrubs, and trees; some are while others are monophagous and specialized on particular plants. A few species are cavernicolous, feeding on roots in volcanic caves.

Life Cycle

Nymphal stage spent underground feeding on roots. emerge to feed on above-ground plant parts. Specific developmental details vary among .

Ecological Role

Herbivores feeding on vascular plants; some serve as for phytoplasma causing in economically important crops including coconut palms, grapevines, sugar beets, and lilies. Form part of prey base for predatory such as Clitemnestra bipunctata.

Human Relevance

Several are economically significant pests. Hyalesthes obsoletus and Haplaxius crudus are notable examples. These insects phytoplasma responsible for affecting coconut palms, grapevines, sugar beets, and lilies.

Similar Taxa

  • DelphacidaeBoth are of small planthoppers in superfamily Delphacoidea; distinguished by narrower than pronotum and hind tibial spine clusters versus Delphacidae's typically wider head and different hind leg structure
  • FlatidaeBoth are fulgoroid planthoppers; are generally smaller with more elongated and different wing venation, while Flatidae often have broader, more flattened bodies and lack the underground nymphal habit of Cixiidae

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