Issid Planthoppers

Issidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Issidae: /ɪˈsaɪdiː/

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

Images

Planthopper Aplos simplex, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Fowlerium productum by Andrew Meeds. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Issus coleoptratus Segonzano 02 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Abolloptera bistriata by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Planthopper - Thionia elliptica or bullata with Planthopper Parasite Moth - Fulgoraecia exigua, Julie Metz Wetlands, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Issus coleoptratus+mite by Svíčková. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Issidae is a family of planthoppers, recognized for their small size and stocky bodies, found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. The taxonomy remains complex with many prior classifications being revised, leading to some uncertainty in classification.

Physical Characteristics

Issidae are small insects generally with a stocky body. Basic body coloration is usually brownish. They have two ocelli on the head and forewings with strong pronounced ribs that wrap around the abdomen when at rest.

Identification Tips

Look for the stocky body shape and the characteristic ribbed forewings. The coloration is generally brownish and unremarkable.

Habitat

Species of Issidae are present in a variety of habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Distribution

Widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with specific species found across Europe, the Middle East, and temperate Asia.

Diet

Issidae primarily feed on plant sap as they are sap-sucking insects.

Life Cycle

Details on specific life cycles are not available; however, they generally undergo a typical hemipteran development that includes egg, nymph, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Exact details of reproductive habits are not included; however, they are oviparous, laying eggs that develop into nymphs.

Ecosystem Role

As sap-sucking members of the plant ecosystem, they potentially play a role in nutrient cycling and serve as prey for various predators.

Evolution

The family Issidae has a complex taxonomy, having evolved over time with many previously included groups now recognized as separate families.

Misconceptions

Some may confuse planthoppers with other similar-sized insects due to their stocky body shape and coloration.