Aphalaridae
Aphalaridae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily: Psylloidea
- Family: Aphalaridae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aphalaridae: /æfəˈlærɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Aphalaridae is a diverse family within the superfamily Psylloidea, including approximately 77 described species within the local area and around 600 species worldwide, known for their sap-feeding habits and association with various plant families.
Physical Characteristics
Adult metatibia with an open crown of sclerotised apical spurs.
Identification Tips
Genal cones vary among subfamilies, presence of pterostigma is inconsistent, and wings may be maculate or rhomboidal depending on species.
Habitat
Typically associated with specific host plants, including Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, Eucalyptus, Myrtaceae, and Hackberry.
Distribution
Widespread with ~77 species in 13 genera in the local area, and ~600 species globally in 65 genera.
Diet
Feeding primarily on sap from various host plants; specific diets depend on the genera and associated plants.
Life Cycle
Life cycles include various stages such as eggs, nymphs, and adults; details on duration and reproductive behaviors vary.
Ecosystem Role
As herbivores, they play a role in plant health and can affect ecosystem dynamics through their feeding behavior.
Evolution
The family Aphalaridae represents a significant evolutionary branch within the superfamily Psylloidea.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some species create structures (lerps or galls) that may be incorrectly attributed to other insect groups.
Tags
- apterygote
- Aphalaridae
- insect
- hemiptera