Derbid Planthoppers
Derbidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
- Infraorder: Fulgoromorpha
- Superfamily: Fulgoroidea
- Family: Derbidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Derbidae: //ˈdɜː.bɪˌdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The family Derbidae comprises a diverse group of planthoppers characterized by unique morphological traits, feeding on plant sap and often associated with decaying organic matter. They feature a wide array of shapes and colors, contributing to their ecological diversity.
Physical Characteristics
Typically 5–10 mm long from head to end of forewings. Can be recognized by a row of spines on metatarsomere 2 and a very short terminal segment of the rostrum, often only as long as wide. Wing structures and body shapes vary significantly across genera and species.
Identification Tips
Look for the row of spines on metatarsomere 2 and the short terminal segment of the rostrum. Species may have varied head shapes and wing patterns which can aid in identification.
Habitat
Widely distributed in tropical regions; also found in subtropical and temperate areas. Nymphs typically inhabit decaying organic matter, particularly under the bark of dead tree trunks or on heaps of palm debris.
Distribution
Over 1700 species in approximately 160 genera worldwide, with 70 species in 14 genera noted in a specific region.
Diet
Adults suck sap from plants, while immatures feed on fungal hyphae associated with decaying organic matter.
Life Cycle
Little is known about the complete life cycle; it involves nymphal stages living in organic matter.
Ecosystem Role
As herbivores, they play a role in the ecosystem as sap-sucking insects and are also involved in the decomposition process through their life stages feeding on fungi.
Economic Impact
Some species are suspected to transmit phytoplasma diseases in palms, affecting agriculture, particularly in coconut crops.
Health Concerns
Several derbids are suspected of being vectors for phytoplasma diseases affecting palms.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adults from foliage
- Collecting nymphs from decaying organic matter
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying and pinning specimens
Evolution
Morphologically similar to the sister family Achilidae; taxonomic classifications have evolved over time with new insights from DNA studies confirming close evolutionary relationships with other families.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some people may underestimate their role in ecosystems or overestimate their threat to plants due to the uncertainty surrounding their vectors for disease transmission.
Tags
- insects
- planthoppers
- Derbidae
- hemiptera