Auchenorrhyncha
Guides
Balclutha rosacea
Balclutha rosacea is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Osborn in 1929. The genus Balclutha belongs to the tribe Macrostelini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae, a diverse group of small, plant-feeding insects commonly known as leafhoppers. Species in this genus are typically associated with grasses and sedges, though specific ecological details for B. rosacea remain poorly documented in available literature. The species has been recorded from Puerto Rico based on distribution data in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
Balclutha saltuella
Beardsley Leafhopper
Balclutha saltuella is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Beardsley Leafhopper. It belongs to the genus Balclutha, a group of microleafhoppers known for their diminutive size and often colorful patterning. The species was described by Kirschbaum in 1868 and has a documented distribution across parts of Europe and North Africa. Like other members of its tribe Macrostelini, it is associated with grassy and herbaceous vegetation.
Balduza
Balduza is a genus of planthoppers in the family Issidae, described by Gnezdilov & O'Brien in 2006. It belongs to the tribe Thioniini within the subfamily Issinae. The genus is part of the diverse Fulgoroidea superfamily, a group of Hemiptera known for their varied and often elaborate head ornamentation. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases.
Bonneyana
Bonneyana is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, and tribe Platymetopiini. The genus was established by Oman in 1949. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized Hemiptera with characteristic leafhopper morphology. The genus is part of the diverse leafhopper fauna of North America, with species distributed primarily in the western and southwestern United States.
Bonneyana terminalis
Bonneyana terminalis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, originally described as Idiodonus terminalis by Ball in 1937. It belongs to the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae, a diverse group of plant-feeding insects commonly known as sharpshooters or leafhoppers. The genus Bonneyana is a small taxon within this tribe, with limited published information on its biology and distribution.
Bothriocera cognita
Bothriocera cognita is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Caldwell in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Bothriocerini, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features within the Cixiinae subfamily. The species has been documented across multiple eastern and midwestern U.S. states based on occurrence records. As with other cixiid planthoppers, it likely exhibits a life cycle involving root-feeding nymphal stages and winged adult dispersal.
Bothriocera transversa
Bothriocera transversa is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Caldwell in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Bothriocerini within the subfamily Cixiinae. The species is known from Florida, USA, where it inhabits its native range. As a member of the Fulgoromorpha, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of this group.
Bothriocerinae
Bothriocerinae is a subfamily of planthoppers within the family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha), established by Muir in 1923. The group was historically treated as a tribe (Bothriocerini) within Cixiinae, and this classification persists in some taxonomic databases. Members of this subfamily are small to medium-sized fulgoroid insects with the characteristic morphology of Cixiidae. The subfamily has been documented in iNaturalist with over 3,700 observations, indicating moderate representation in citizen science records.
Brenda
Brenda is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Megophthalminae, established by Oman in 1941. It belongs to the tribe Megophthalmini within the infraorder Cicadomorpha. The genus is part of the diverse Membracoidea superfamily, which includes many sap-feeding insects associated with vascular plants.
Bruchomorpha pallidipes
Bruchomorpha pallidipes is a planthopper species in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Stål in 1862. It is one of several species in the genus Bruchomorpha, which belongs to the tribe Peltonotellini. The species has been recorded from multiple U.S. states including California, Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Like other caliscelid planthoppers, it is associated with grassy and herbaceous habitats.
Bruchomorpha rugosa
Bruchomorpha rugosa is a species of planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Metcalf in 1923. It is currently recognized as a valid species, though it has been treated as a synonym of Fitchiella rugosa in some classifications. The genus Bruchomorpha belongs to the tribe Peltonotellini within the subfamily Caliscelinae. Like other caliscelid planthoppers, it is a small, jumping insect associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Bruchomorpha tenebrosa
Bruchomorpha tenebrosa is a species of planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Doering in 1940. It belongs to the tribe Peltonotellini within the subfamily Caliscelinae. The genus Bruchomorpha is part of the diverse Fulgoroidea superfamily, commonly known as planthoppers. This species has been recorded from Florida, though detailed biological information remains limited in the available literature.
Brunerella magnifica
Brunerella magnifica is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Young in 1952. As a member of the tribe Alebrini, it belongs to a group of small, often colorful leafhoppers that feed on plant phloem. The specific epithet "magnifica" suggests notable or striking appearance, though detailed morphological descriptions are scarce in the accessible literature. The species has been recorded from Cuba and Mexico based on distribution data.
Cacama longirostris
Decorated Cactus-Dodger
Cacama longirostris is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, described by Distant in 1881. It is known from Central America, particularly Mexico. The species belongs to the genus Cacama, commonly referred to as "cactus dodgers" due to their association with cactus hosts. Like other members of this genus, it likely exhibits adaptations for navigating spiny vegetation.
Caladonus coquilletti
Caladonus coquilletti is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, tribe Platymetopiini. The species was described by Van Duzee in 1890. It belongs to a genus of leafhoppers characterized by distinctive morphological features typical of the Platymetopiini. Leafhoppers in this family are generally small to medium-sized insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant vascular tissues.
Carynota
Carynota is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, established by Fitch in 1851. The genus contains four described species: C. maculata, C. marmorata, C. mera, and C. stupida. Treehoppers in this genus exhibit the enlarged pronotum characteristic of Membracidae, which extends over the body like a thorn or helmet.
Catonia pumila
Catonia pumila is a species of planthopper in the family Achilidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1908. It belongs to the tribe Plectoderini within the subfamily Myconinae. The species is known from the eastern United States, with distribution records from Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, and Maryland. As a member of the Fulgoromorpha, it is part of a group of Hemiptera characterized by their distinctive head morphology and plant-feeding habits.
Catonia texana
Catonia texana is a species of planthopper in the family Achilidae, first described by O'Brien in 1971. It belongs to the tribe Plectoderini within the subfamily Myconinae. The species is known from Texas, with distribution records primarily from this state. As a member of the Fulgoromorpha, it possesses the characteristic morphology of planthoppers, including a body shape adapted for jumping and often cryptic coloration.
Cedusa arizonensis
Cedusa arizonensis is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, first described by Flynn & Kramer in 1983. As a member of the order Hemiptera, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of true bugs. The species epithet indicates its association with Arizona, which is confirmed by distribution records. Like other derbid planthoppers, it likely feeds on plant vascular fluids. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species.
Cedusa californica
Cedusa californica is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1891. It belongs to the tribe Cedusini within the subfamily Breddiniolinae. The species is distributed across western and central North America, with records from California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, and Michigan. Like other derbid planthoppers, it likely feeds on plant sap and may be associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Cedusa minuenda
Cedusa minuenda is a planthopper species in the family Derbidae, first described by Ball in 1928. It belongs to a group of fulgoroid insects commonly known as derbids, which are characterized by their distinctive wing morphology and association with host plants. The species has been recorded from the southeastern United States.
Cedusa praecox
Cedusa praecox is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, described by Van Duzee in 1912. It belongs to the tribe Cedusini within the subfamily Breddiniolinae. The species has been recorded from multiple states in the southwestern and central United States. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of true bugs.
Centrodontini
Centrodontini is a tribe of treehoppers within the subfamily Centrotinae, family Membracidae, established by Deitz in 1975. Members of this tribe are characterized by distinctive pronotal morphology and are part of the diverse membracid fauna. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed primarily in the Old World tropics. Treehoppers in this group are associated with woody host plants and exhibit the enlarged pronotum typical of the family.
Centrodontus
Centrodontus is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, tribe Centrodontini, established by Goding in 1892. Members of this genus possess the enlarged pronotum characteristic of treehoppers, which extends backward over the thorax and often develops into distinctive projections. The genus is part of the diverse New World treehopper fauna, with species distributed primarily in the Americas. Centrodontus species, like other membracids, feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Centrodontus atlas
Centrodontus atlas is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Goding in 1892. The species belongs to the tribe Centrodontini within the subfamily Centrotinae. As a member of the treehopper family, it is characterized by an enlarged pronotum that extends over the body. Available distributional data comes primarily from observation records rather than comprehensive systematic surveys.
Centrodontus atlas reticulatus
Centrodontus atlas reticulatus is a subspecies of treehopper in the family Membracidae, first described by Cook in 1952. As a member of the subfamily Centrotinae, it possesses the distinctive pronotal extensions characteristic of this group. The species Centrodontus atlas occurs within the Nearctic region, and this subspecies represents a geographically or morphologically distinct population. Treehoppers in this genus are typically associated with woody host plants.
Cephisus laticeps
Cephisus laticeps is a species of froghopper (family Aphrophoridae) described by Hamilton in 2012. It belongs to the genus Cephisus, which is the sole New World representative of the tribe Ptyelini. Species in this genus are known for producing exceptionally large spittle masses as nymphs, with some reaching pest status on economically important plants. The specific epithet 'laticeps' refers to a broad-headed characteristic.
Ceratagallia bigeloviae
Ceratagallia bigeloviae is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Megophthalminae. It is part of the C. bigeloviae species group, which includes Mexican species. The species was described by Baker in 1896 and is distributed in western North America including the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Ceratagallia cerea
Ceratagallia cerea is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Agalliini. The species was originally described under the genus Aceratagallia and has since been reclassified to Ceratagallia. Like other members of this tribe, it is associated with herbaceous vegetation. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species in readily available literature.
Ceratagallia humilis alvarana
Ceratagallia humilis alvarana is a subspecies of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1998. It belongs to the tribe Agalliini within the subfamily Megophthalminae. The subspecies epithet "alvarana" suggests an association with alvar habitat—limestone plains with thin soil cover—though this ecological connection has not been explicitly documented in the provided sources. The taxonomic status of this subspecies is accepted in the Catalogue of Life, though GBIF lists it as a synonym under the genus Aceratagallia.
Ceratagallia nana
Ceratagallia nana is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Oman in 1933. It belongs to a genus of minute leafhoppers within the tribe Agalliini. The species is currently considered a synonym of Aceratagallia nana in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in this group. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona.
Ceratagallia rossi
Ceratagallia rossi is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Agalliini. The genus Ceratagallia comprises small, compact leafhoppers with distinctive morphological features. Species in this genus are associated with various host plants and are part of the diverse Neotropical leafhopper fauna.
Cercopoidea
froghoppers, spittlebugs
The superfamily Cercopoidea comprises hemipteran insects commonly known as froghoppers or spittlebugs. Adults possess powerful hind legs enabling jumps up to 70 cm vertically and 100 times their body length. Nymphs are renowned for producing foam shelters ("cuckoo spit") from excreted xylem sap, within which they develop concealed from predators and environmental extremes. The group exhibits xylem-feeding, an unusual trait among sap-feeding insects requiring symbiotic bacteria to supplement nutrient-poor diet.
Cetexa
Cetexa is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, tribe Platymetopiini. It was established by Oman in 1949. The genus contains multiple species distributed primarily in the Americas. Leafhoppers in this genus are small, active insects that feed on plant sap.
Chionomus bellicosus
Chionomus bellicosus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, order Hemiptera. It was described by Muir and Giffard in 1924. As a member of the Delphacidae, it belongs to a family characterized by a movable spur on the hind tibia, a trait distinguishing them from other planthopper families. The genus Chionomus contains multiple species, though detailed biological information for C. bellicosus specifically is limited in available sources.
Chionomus pacificus
Chionomus pacificus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Crawford in 1914. It belongs to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha within the order Hemiptera. The species has been documented in 219 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by citizen scientists. As a member of Delphacidae, it is likely associated with grass or sedge habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Chlorocanta viridis
Cotton-green Cicada
Chlorocanta viridis, commonly known as the Cotton-green Cicada, is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae. It was described by Davis in 1918 and was originally placed in the genus Okanagana before being transferred to Chlorocanta. As a member of the subfamily Tibicininae, it belongs to a group of cicadas known for their distinctive acoustic signals and often greenish coloration. The species is part of the diverse North American cicada fauna, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Chlorotettix fallax
Chlorotettix fallax is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, described by Sanders & DeLong in 1922. The genus Chlorotettix is part of the tribe Pendarini. Distribution records indicate this species occurs in Illinois and New Hampshire. Like other members of its family, it is a sap-feeding insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The specific epithet 'fallax' suggests deceptive or misleading appearance, though the basis for this name choice is not documented in available sources.
Chlorotettix iridescens
Chlorotettix iridescens is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. Described by DeLong in 1916, this species is placed in the tribe Pendarini. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Tennessee, USA. As a member of the genus Chlorotettix, it shares characteristics typical of this leafhopper group, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Chlorotettix scutellatus
Chlorotettix scutellatus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Osborn in 1918. The genus Chlorotettix belongs to the tribe Pendarini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. This species is part of a diverse group of leafhoppers that feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Information on this specific species is limited in the provided sources, though the genus is known to contain numerous species distributed across North America.
Cicadellidae
leafhoppers, typical leafhoppers, sharpshooters
Cicadellidae, commonly known as leafhoppers, is one of the largest families of Hemiptera with over 20,000 described species worldwide. These minute insects are plant-feeding specialists that suck xylem or phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The family is distinguished by hind legs modified for jumping, featuring double rows of spines on the tibiae. Many species are significant agricultural pests and vectors of plant pathogens, including the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa which causes diseases in citrus, grapes, and other crops. The subfamily Cicadellinae (sharpshooters) contains particularly important pest species due to their polyphagy and disease transmission capabilities.
Cicadellinae
sharpshooters, leafhoppers
Cicadellinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) within the order Hemiptera. Members of the tribe Proconiini within this subfamily are commonly known as 'sharpshooters.' The subfamily currently contains five tribes: Cicadellini, Makilingiini, Phereurhinini, Proconiini, and Tungurahualini. Cicadellinae leafhoppers are globally distributed and are significant agricultural pests due to their role as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases including Pierce's disease of grape, phony peach disease, and citrus variegated chlorosis.
Cicadettana calliope
Southern Grass Cicada
A small North American cicada species known as the Southern Grass Cicada. Adults emerge and lay eggs in late spring. The species has a median total life cycle of approximately four years from egg to natural adult death. Formerly placed in the genus Cicadetta, it was transferred to the revalidated genus Cicadettana. The species is notable for increasing in abundance in prairies managed with spring and fall prescribed burns, unlike prairie cicadas in the genus Tibicen which are negatively impacted by such burns.
Cicadoidea
cicadas
Cicadoidea is a superfamily of insects in the order Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha. It comprises two families: Tettigarctidae, containing two species restricted to Australia, and Cicadidae, with more than 1,300 described species worldwide. Cicadas are characterized by their large size, bulging compound eyes, short antennae, and distinctive acoustic signals produced by males. The superfamily includes both annual and periodical species, with the latter exhibiting remarkable synchronized emergences after 13 or 17 years of subterranean development.
Cixidia brittoni
Cixidia brittoni is a species of planthopper in the family Achilidae, first described by Metcalf in 1923. The species belongs to a poorly studied group of fulgoroid insects. Distribution records indicate occurrence in northeastern and north-central North America, with observations from Canada and the United States.
Cixidia slossonae
Slosson's Cixiid Planthopper
Cixidia slossonae is a planthopper species in the family Cixiidae, described by Van Duzee in 1917. The species is named in honor of Annie Trumbull Slosson, a prominent American entomologist. It belongs to a genus of relatively large cixiids found in North America.
Cixiidae
cixiid planthoppers
A family of small fulgoroid planthoppers comprising over 2,000 species in more than 150 genera worldwide. Adults are typically less than one centimeter in length and often inconspicuous. Nymphs develop underground feeding on roots, while adults feed on herbs, shrubs, and trees. Several species are economically significant as vectors of phytoplasma diseases affecting coconut palms, grapevines, sugar beets, and lilies.
Cixiinae
Cixiinae is a subfamily of planthoppers within the family Cixiidae, one of three subfamilies alongside Bothriocerinae and Borystheninae. It contains approximately 2,000 described species distributed across sixteen recognized tribes, though tribal relationships remain incompletely resolved. The subfamily has a complex taxonomic history with multiple tribal revisions since 1938, and several tribes lack adequate morphological description. Members are small to medium-sized insects with characteristic fulgoroid morphology.
Cixius angustatus
Cixius angustatus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Caldwell in 1938. The species is native to North America, with records from Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, and Missouri. As a member of the Cixiidae family, it belongs to a group of planthoppers whose nymphal stages are typically associated with root-feeding habits, though species-specific biology for C. angustatus remains poorly documented.
Cixius apicalis
Cixius apicalis is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Metcalf in 1923. The species belongs to a family whose nymphs are root-feeders, though specific details for this species remain limited. It has been recorded across northeastern and midwestern North America, with observations spanning from Connecticut and New York west to Illinois and north to Manitoba and New Brunswick.