Melormenis
Metcalf, 1938
Species Guides
2- Melormenis basalis(West Indian Flatid Planthopper)
- Melormenis infuscata
Melormenis is a of planthoppers in the Flatidae, first described by Metcalf in 1938. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Siphantini within the Flatinae. Flatid planthoppers are known for their broad, flattened bodies and wings that often form a triangular silhouette at rest. The genus is part of the diverse neotropical fauna of flatid planthoppers, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented for many .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melormenis: //mɛlˈɔːrmɛnɪs//
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Identification
Flatid planthoppers in the Melormenis can be recognized by the combination of broad, flattened forewings with reticulate venation and a body shape that appears laterally compressed when viewed dorsally. The is usually narrower than the pronotum, and the wings often extend well beyond the . Specific -level identification requires examination of male genitalia and detailed wing venation patterns.
Images
Distribution
The occurs in the Neotropical region, with records from Central and South America.
Ecological Role
As with other flatid planthoppers, members of Melormenis likely function as phloem feeders on plants, potentially serving as for plant and providing food resources for and .
Similar Taxa
- SiphantaBoth belong to the tribe Siphantini and share the characteristic broad, flattened wing shape; Melormenis can be distinguished by differences in structure and wing venation details.
- NephesaClosely related in the same tribe; Melormenis typically have more rounded wing apices and different pronotal proportions.
More Details
Taxonomic placement
The was originally described by Metcalf in 1938 and has been retained in the tribe Siphantini following modern phylogenetic revisions of the Flatidae.