Kinnaridae

Muir, 1925

Kinnarid Planthoppers

Genus Guides

1

is a small of fulgoroid planthoppers comprising over 20 and approximately 100 . The family was erected by Muir in 1925. Most members occur in the Oriental and Neotropical regions, with fewer species in the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions. Several species have independently evolved obligate cave-dwelling habits, exhibiting troglomorphic traits such as reduced and wings.

Oeclidius by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Kinnaridae by (c) Shami Narayanan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Shami Narayanan. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Kinnaridae: //kɪnˈnærɪˌdiː//

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

Identification

are distinguished by a small narrower than the , with the vertex approximately as long as wide. The is longer than wide and lacks a keel but possesses two lateral carinae. Three simple are usually present. The is small with a globose . The rostrum extends between the hind and the tip of the , with a long terminal segment. The pronotum is short and wider than the head. The forewings are long, parallel-sided, with transparent and claval that join near the apex without granulation (sensory pits)—a character separating from the closely related . Hind tibiae lack lateral spines.

Images

Habitat

Most inhabit terrestrial environments in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species are obligately cavernicolous, including the second troglobitic member from Brazil (Iuiuia caeca) and the first Old World cavernicolous species from Spain (Valenciolenda fadaforesta), which is considered a relict from an extinct ancient fauna.

Distribution

Primarily Oriental and Neotropical regions; fewer in Nearctic and Palaearctic regions. Epigean members are not known from the present-day fauna of the Iberian Peninsula or Western Europe.

Life Cycle

Nymphal has been described in detail for some cavernicolous ; a key to nymphal instars exists for at least one troglobitic species.

Behavior

Cave-dwelling exhibit troglomorphy, including reduced or absent , depigmentation, and reduced or absent wings. The Spanish cave-dwelling species is regarded as a relict from an ancient extinct fauna.

Similar Taxa

  • MeenoplidaeClosely related distinguished by the presence of granulation (sensory pits) on the claval of the forewings, which are absent in .

Sources and further reading