Flatid Planthoppers

Flatidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Fulgoromorpha
Superfamily: Fulgoroidea
Family: Flatidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Flatidae: //flæˈtɪdi.aɪ//

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

Images

Metcalfa pruinosa 01 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Ormenaria rufifascia P1010119a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Melormenis basalis by Luizpuodzius. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Lepkekaboca lárvák 2 by Keszeics. Used under a CC0 license.

Flatid Planthopper (29576249846) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Northern Flatid Planthopper - Flatormenis proxima (48189973211) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Flatidae are a family of fulgoroid planthoppers characterized by their flattened bodies and specialized wing structures. They are cosmopolitan in distribution and mainly feed on plant sap, with some species known to communicate via vibrations.

Physical Characteristics

Adults have flattened bodies laterally in Flatinae and are not laterally compressed in Flatoidinae. The tegmina are tent-like in Flatinae and held horizontally in Flatoidinae. Adults display brightly colored forewings and membranous hindwings for flight. Distinctive wing venation with nodose veins in the anal region and numerous cross veins in the costal area. Nymphs possess a tail of waxy filaments.

Identification Tips

Most species require dissection and examination under a microscope; coloration can help identify a few species but is not reliable for the majority.

Habitat

Above-ground portions of a wide variety of woody and semi-woody plants.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan; most diverse in tropical regions and particularly concentrated in the southern United States.

Diet

Suck phloem sap of plants.

Life Cycle

Life cycles typically involve a nymph stage that develops into adults, with communication between nymphs and ants possibly occurring during this phase.

Reproduction

Some species communicate through vibrations via plant stems, potentially for mating or signaling to ants.

Ecosystem Role

Flatidae play a role in the ecosystem as herbivores, influencing plant health and serving as prey for various predators.

Collecting Methods

Netting adults from host plants
Light traps

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Drying specimens
Mounting on pins

Evolution

Taxonomic revision needed for the family Flatidae; no comprehensive global revision has been completed.