Achorotile is a of planthoppers in the Delphacidae, first described by Fieber in 1866. The genus comprises at least 15 described distributed across Europe and North America. As with other delphacids, members of this genus are small, sap-feeding insects associated with grasses and sedges. The genus has been documented from subarctic regions to temperate zones, with several species described from the western United States and Canada.
Habitat
Associated with grassland and wetland ; plants are grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae).
Distribution
Europe and North America; specific records from Norway, Sweden, Canada, and the western United States including Colorado.
Host Associations
- Poaceae - grasses
- Cyperaceae - sedges
Similar Taxa
- DelphaxSimilar of Delphacidae; Achorotile may be distinguished by genitalia and wing venation patterns, though specific diagnostic features require examination.
- StenocranusAnother delphacid with overlapping distribution; separation relies on detailed morphological characters of the , wings, and male genitalia.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Fieber in 1866. Multiple were described by Beamer in 1954 based on North American material. Hamilton (2002) subsequently described additional species, indicating ongoing taxonomic refinement.
Subarctic distribution
The Achorotile subarctica, described by Scudder in 1963, reflects the 's presence in northern latitudes. This distributional pattern is unusual among delphacid genera and suggests cold in some species.