Fulgoroidea

Latreille, 1807

planthoppers

Family Guides

11

Fulgoroidea is a superfamily of planthoppers within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, comprising over 12,500 described worldwide. These insects are characterized by their remarkable resemblance to leaves and other plant materials, and their tendency to hop for quick transportation while slowly to avoid detection. All members are plant-feeders, though relatively few are considered agricultural pests. The superfamily includes economically significant such as Flatidae and Derbidae, as well as the lanternfly family Fulgoridae.

Damaeus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Epidermoptidae by (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC-BY license.Psoroptidae by (c) Oleksii Vasyliuk, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleksii Vasyliuk. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Fulgoroidea: /fʊlˈɡɔrɔɪdɪə/

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Identification

Key -level characters include forewing venation patterns: Flatidae possess numerous parallel cross- along the costal margin, while Acanaloniidae have reticulate forewing venation without such parallel cross-veins. Male genitalia often provide the most reliable specific characters, particularly in groups where external features are variable. Nymphal identification is generally poorly known across the superfamily. The superfamily can be distinguished from other Auchenorrhyncha by the combination of features including the structure of the and wing venation patterns, though precise identification to family requires examination of specific morphological characters.

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Habitat

Occurs in virtually all terrestrial worldwide, from tropical rainforests to arid grasslands and temperate regions. Many are strongly associated with specific plants. Arid-adapted forms such as Scolops are common in dry fields, prairies, and grasslands even in otherwise moist climates. Some show strong habitat specificity: Cixiidae are often associated with woody plants, while Flatidae may occur in dense on particular tree species.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution across all major biogeographic regions. Particularly diverse in tropical and subtropical regions. In North America, the Scolops is restricted to southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. The superfamily shows high diversity in the Neotropics, Oriental region, and Afrotropics, with significant radiations in island systems such as the Caribbean and Pacific islands.

Seasonality

Activity patterns vary by region and ; in temperate zones, are typically active during warmer months. Some species show distinct seasonal peaks in abundance. The nymphal stage may overwinter in many temperate species.

Diet

All members are obligate plant-feeders, feeding on phloem sap through . Specific plant associations vary widely: many Flatidae feed on woody plants including seagrape, coffee, and citrus; some Scolops are associated with Asteraceae and Chenopodiaceae; Cixiidae often feed on woody shrubs and trees. Some species are notably , while others show strong host specificity.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Development includes , nymph, and stages. Nymphs typically pass through five instars before becoming adults. Some produce waxy secretions from glands on abdominal segments, particularly in later instars; these secretions may aid in avoidance or camouflage. Fourth-instar nymphs of some Scolops species are known to produce wax from glands near the rear margin of abdominal segments. Winged adults emerge after the final ; some species exhibit short-winged (brachypterous) forms in addition to fully winged forms.

Behavior

Planthoppers generally walk slowly to avoid attracting attention, but can hop rapidly for escape. Many are negatively geotactic, crawling upward when placed on inclined surfaces. of some flatids can be approached and gently guided with a finger or pencil along stems. Some species form dense on plants. First-instar nymphs of some species are active dispersers, crawling and potentially using wind for of new hosts.

Ecological Role

Primary consumers in terrestrial , converting plant phloem sap into available to higher . Honeydew supports growth and may provide resources for ants and other insects. Some serve as prey for specialized . species may facilitate plant transmission, though this is poorly documented for most planthoppers compared to related groups like leafhoppers.

Human Relevance

Relatively few are significant agricultural pests, though some flatids cause damage to crops including citrus, coffee, and soybeans through direct feeding and development on honeydew. Metcalfa pruinosa (citrus flatid planthopper) is a notable pest example. Some species have potential as pests if introduced to new regions; Petrusa epilepsis has been identified as having invasive potential for tropical and subtropical mainland America. The superfamily has received attention from macrophotographers due to the striking appearance of many species.

Similar Taxa

  • Cicadellidae (leafhoppers)Also in Auchenorrhyncha with similar body plan, but distinguished by hind leg structure with rows of spines on tibiae and different wing venation; leafhoppers are generally more active and lack the pronounced modifications seen in many fulgoroids
  • Membracidae (treehoppers)Close relatives in Auchenorrhyncha, but distinguished by the enlarged pronotum that extends over the body in treehoppers; fulgoroids lack this structure and typically hold wings roof-like rather than tent-like over the body

More Details

Taxonomic scope

Fulgoroidea as historically constituted included a broader array of ; modern classifications restrict the superfamily to families within Fulgoromorpha excluding Cicadellidae and Membracidae. The superfamily contains approximately 20 recognized families including Cixiidae, Flatidae, Derbidae, Dictyopharidae, Fulgoridae, and Tropiduchidae.

Wax production

Waxy secretions are widespread across the superfamily and serve multiple functions including deterrence, camouflage as plant debris, and possibly waterproofing. The chemistry and glandular sources of these secretions vary among .

Research gaps

and of most fulgoroid remain poorly known; nymphal stages are particularly understudied, with experts noting that 'our ignorance of nymphs is abysmal' for many groups. plant records are incomplete for most outside of economically important species.

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Sources and further reading