Scolops
Schaum, 1850
Species Guides
32- Scolops abnormis
- Scolops angustatus
- Scolops austrinus
- Scolops californicus(California Dictyopharid Planthopper)
- Scolops cockerelli(Rhinoceros planthopper)
- Scolops excultus
- Scolops flavidus(Yellowish Dictyopharid Planthopper)
- Scolops fumidus
- Scolops graphicus
Scolops is a of dictyopharid planthoppers to North America, comprising over 30 described . are small (5–8 mm), squat insects with a distinctive elongated projection resembling a horn or snout. The genus is most diverse in arid of southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. Though they feed on plant sap, they are not known agricultural pests and remain poorly studied biologically.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scolops: /skəˈlɒps/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The elongated projection (horn/snout) is unique among North American planthoppers and immediately distinguishes Scolops from all similar . -level identification requires examination of forewing venation patterns and hind tibia spine characteristics. Some species exhibit wing dimorphism (short-winged and long-winged forms), which can complicate identification.
Images
Habitat
Dry fields, prairies, and grasslands; most common in arid even within otherwise moist climatic regions.
Distribution
to North America: southern Canada, United States, and northern Mexico.
Diet
Plant sap; plants recorded primarily in Asteraceae and Chenopodiaceae.
Life Cycle
Fourth-instar nymphs of at least some produce wax secretions from glands near the rear margin of abdominal segments.
Behavior
Capable of jumping; this escape response may confound observations of actual feeding locations.
Ecological Role
Herbivore feeding on plant sap; wax secretions produced by nymphs may repel or provide camouflage as cottony plant debris.
Human Relevance
Not a pest of any crop; no significant economic impact.
Similar Taxa
- Other DictyopharidaeLack the distinctive elongated projection (horn/snout) characteristic of Scolops
- Other Fulgoroidea planthoppersScolops uniquely combines small size, squat body, and pronounced horn among North American
More Details
Wax production
Nymphal wax secretion is a trait shared with many Fulgoroidea planthoppers, serving deterrence and camouflage functions.
Wing dimorphism
Presence of both short-winged and long-winged forms within some is notable but not universal across the .