Flatidae

Distinguished from related families Acanaloniidae and others in Fulgoroidea by the combination of: parallel cross-veins along the costal margin of forewings (Acanaloniidae have reticulate venation without parallel cross-veins), and nodose veins in the anal region. Subfamily identification: Flatinae have laterally flattened adult bodies with tent-like tegmina; Flatoidinae have uncompressed bodies with tegmina held more horizontally. Species-level identification typically requires dissection and microscopic examination with reference to taxonomic literature.

Associated with diverse host plants including trees, shrubs, and agricultural crops. Found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide. Some species are polyphagous and infidel in host plant selection.

Cosmopolitan distribution. Documented from North America (including Vermont), Caribbean (Puerto Rico), Central and South America, and other regions globally. The family occurs across tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones.

Feed on phloem sap of plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Some species are generalist feeders across multiple plant families, while others are associated with specific hosts.

• Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera) - hostPetrusa epilepsis abundant on this host in Puerto Rico
• Coffee (Coffea arabica) - hostPetrusa epilepsis pest of coffee
• Coco-plum (Chrysobalanus icaco) - hostPetrusa epilepsis recorded on this host
• Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) - hostPetrusa epilepsis recorded on this host
• Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) - hostPetrusa epilepsis recorded on this host; sooty mold develops on honeydew
• Citrus - hostMetcalfa pruinosa (citrus flatid planthopper) polyphagous pest

Nymphs produce waxy filaments and have a tail of waxy secretions. Development includes egg, nymph, and adult stages. Specific details of developmental timing and number of instars vary by species and are not comprehensively documented for the family.

Some species communicate with substrate-borne vibrations transmitted through plant stems, used for mate location and communication with ants that tend nymphs. Adults of some species can be approached and gently maneuvered on stems. Nymphs are often attended by ants that protect them and collect honeydew secretions.

Herbivores that feed on plant phloem sap. Honeydew excretion supports sooty mold growth and ant associations. Some species serve as prey for parasitic wasps. Nymphal waxy secretions and adult coloration provide defense against predators.

Some species are agricultural pests. Petrusa epilepsis damages coffee, seagrape, and other plants in the Caribbean through direct feeding and sooty mold development on honeydew. Metcalfa pruinosa (citrus flatid planthopper) is a notable polyphagous pest. The family's potential for invasive spread is a concern for agricultural producers in tropical and subtropical regions.

• AcanaloniidaeSimilar tent-like wing posture; distinguished by reticulate forewing venation without parallel cross-veins along costal margin
• FulgoridaeRelated family in Fulgoroidea; distinguished by different wing venation and body form
• MembracidaeBoth in Auchenorrhyncha; treehoppers have enlarged pronotum forming thorn-like or helmet-like structures not present in Flatidae

• planthopper
• fulgoroid
• phloem feeder
• waxy secretions
• vibrational communication
• ant mutualism
• agricultural pest

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• These Insect Costume Designers are Dressed to Impress
• Hemiptera | Beetles In The Bush | Page 7
• Bug Eric: January 2012
• Archive — Bug of the Week
• Sea Grape Flatid – Petrusa epilepsis | Beetles In The Bush