Auchenorrhyncha
Guides
Cixius balli
Cixius balli is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Kramer in 1981. It belongs to the genus Cixius, a diverse group of sap-feeding insects within the order Hemiptera. The species is known from distribution records in Arizona, USA. Like other cixiids, it is presumed to feed on plant vascular fluids, though specific host associations remain unstudied.
Cixius clitellus
Cixius clitellus is a planthopper species in the family Cixiidae, first described by Ball in 1937. It belongs to a genus of planthoppers known for their distinctive head structure and jumping ability. The species is listed in the Catalogue of Life as accepted, though detailed biological information appears limited in published sources.
Cixius misellus
Cixius misellus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Van Duzee in 1916. It belongs to a family of small, jumping insects often associated with woody plants. The species has been recorded from western North America including Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, and Connecticut. Like other cixiids, it likely feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Available information on this species is limited, with only three observations recorded in iNaturalist.
Cixius nervosus
common lacehopper
A widespread planthopper species in the tribe Cixiini, occurring across Europe, the East Palearctic, and Nearctic realms. Adults are active from May to October and inhabit deciduous trees, hedgerows, meadows, and scrublands. Sexual dimorphism is present in body size, with females larger than males.
CixiidaeplanthopperwidespreadEuropeNearcticPalearcticdeciduous-forestmeadowscrublandsexual-dimorphismtransparent-wingsbanded-wingsMay-to-Octobercommon-speciesLinnaeus-1758CixiinilacehopperHemipteraAuchenorrhynchaFulgoromorphakeeled-scutellumcostal-spotssubspecies-presenttaxonomic-revision-historyiNaturalist:1386-observationsCixius nike
Cixius nike is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Kramer in 1981. It belongs to the large genus Cixius, which comprises numerous species distributed across multiple continents. The species has been recorded from several North American locations including Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, and Manitoba.
Cixius pini
Cixius pini is a planthopper species in the family Cixiidae, described by Fitch in 1851. It is native to North America and has been recorded from multiple U.S. states including Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, and the District of Columbia. Like other cixiid planthoppers, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap. The species belongs to a family whose nymphs typically develop underground, feeding on roots, while adults are more mobile and may be associated with woody plants including conifers.
Cixius yufengi
Cixius yufengi is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Tsaur in 1993. The species belongs to a genus of small, often inconspicuous insects that feed on plant sap. Very little specific information is available about this particular species.
planthopperCixiidaeCalifornia-endemicTsaur-1993AuchenorrhynchaFulgoromorphasap-feederHemipterainsectarthropodHexapodaAnimaliaEukaryotaDelphacoideaCixiinaeCixiiniCixiusspeciesacceptedGBIFCatalogue-of-LifetaxonomydistributionCaliforniaUSAUnited-StatesNorth-Americaendemicinvertebratehemipterantrue-bugbuginsectaanimalhexapodeukaryotearthropodacixius-yufengiyufengiTsaur1993scientific-namecanonical-nameauthorshiprankstatusgenusspecific-epithetclassificationtaxonomy-matchexactkingdomphylumclassorderfamilydistribution-recordsBuglifeendemic-speciesBritish-endemicsIvell's-Sea-AnemoneEdwardsia-ivelliWidewater-LagoonSussexextinctlikely-extinctnot-seen-in-over-forty-years19731983dance-flyPoecilobothrus-majesticusEssex1907Caledonian-PlanthopperCixius-caledonicusnot-seen-for-70-yearsManx-Shearwater-FleaCeratophyllus-fionnus1960sTurk's-Earth-CentipedeNothogeophilus-turkiIsles-of-ScillyIsle-of-Wight1988never-seen-againconservationJames-Harding-MorrisbookBritish-endemic-invertebratesCraig-MacadamCeltic-WoodlouseMetatrichoniscoides-celticusWaleswestern-fringes-of-England1980sChater's-BristletailDilta-chateriiridescentjumping-powers1990sLundy-Cabbage-Flea-BeetlePsylliodes-luridipennisLundy-IslandDevonco-endemismLundy-Cabbageendemic-plantLundy-Cabbage-WeevilCeutorhynchus-contractus-pallipestaxonomic-uncertaintyHorrid-Ground-weaverNothophantes-horridusPlymouthdevelopmentNorthern-February-Red-StoneflyBrachyptera-putataScotlanddrummingabdomen-tappingBritish-Cave-ShrimpNiphargus-glennieiblindghostly-palecavesdamp-rock-fissurestemporary-puddleshumid-cavesrediscoveredprotectedsurvivalconservation-prioritiesglobal-responsibilityevolutionary-twistsecological-intriguehopenatural-heritageBack-from-the-BrinkRSPBBig-Garden-BirdwatchBSBINew-Year-Plant-Huntplantswildlifenaturecommunicationspublic-engagementcampaignsrare-speciesobscure-speciesoverlooked-speciesirreplaceable-specieslocal-wondersglobal-stakesisolationthousands-of-yearsmillions-of-yearsevolutionlandscapesRed-SquirrelHedgehogEuropeshared-speciesnowhere-elseno-backupno-second-chancescelebrationprotectioncherishrecogniseawarenesshabitat-protectionresearchforgotten-creaturesspotlightslipping-through-the-cracksunknown-to-publicrarely-surveyedbarely-hanging-onalready-goneuncomfortable-truthimportant-speciesleast-knownstrangedeeply-unsettlingsole-global-responsibilitylose-them-everywhereorganisationsfighting-to-changeextraordinary-workrarestmost-threatenedentirely-overlookedforgottenevolvedstep-with-Britain's-landscapesfamiliar-speciesshare-with-Europepopulation-overseasreintroducelose-themwrittenjourneyoverlookedirreplaceablefound-nowhere-else-on-Earthcall-to-recogniseprotectuniquely-oursavailable-nowbooksellersspecies-found-nowhere-else-on-Earthpassionate-nature-enthusiastlifelong-loveexploringnatural-worldtrekkingmountainsrare-flowersscouringfenselusive-mothsinvestigatingexotic-invertebrateshothousesfascinationunwaveringprofessional-lifeconservation-sectorhigh-impact-campaignsinspiredEngland's-rarestmost-obscure-speciesmissionBritain-and-Irelandfall-in-love-with-plantsSHAREFacebookLinkedInguest-blogauthorhow-many-speciesfound-only-in-Britainsimple-questioncomprehensive-listresearchingwriting2022referenceburied-in-booksscattered-across-internettucked-awayminds-of-species-expertsresultover-700-speciesat-least-another-100-subspeciesoccur-nowhere-else-on-Earthtotal-global-responsibilityvery-few-peoplename-even-a-single-onestruckmost-irreplaceable-specieslive-or-diedecisions-made-within-our-borderstop-of-conservation-prioritiescelebratedunderstoodset-outtell-their-storiesunique-invertebratesincredibly-fortunateBuglife's-Conservation-Directorfirst-timecompiling-report20-speciesfive-species-of-flyfour-species-of-beetletwo-stonefliesone-eachwoodlousecentipedemillipedefleabristletailspidershrimpsea-anemonetell-storiesgo-out-and-find-thempicked-fivetrack-downbumped-intocouple-moresearched-under-coastal-rocksexquisitepearly-translucenttiny-speciesbarely-2.5mm-longfirst-discoveredknown-only-from-Walesnearbysearched-dampferny-woodlandsalien-lookingastonishing-jumping-powersnamed-new-to-sciencetravelledDevon's-Lundy-Islandtry-and-seeparticularly-rare-pairingonly-known-exampleendemic-beetlepossibly-endemicspend-their-liveswintry-visitsearchelusive-and-threatenedfound-in-just-a-few-siteswithin-the-cityperpetually-under-pressureowes-its-survivaltireless-effortsguided-tourprime-Northern-February-Red-Stoneflyhabitatblew-my-mindmusical-prowessstoneflies-'drum'tapping-their-abdomensslithering-through-tightmuddyunderground-tunnelspersonal-favouriteutterly-gorgeousspends-its-lifechance-searchDevon-coastfirst-sightingalmost-thirty-yearsones-we've-lostimmediately-drawnonly-ever-knownunfortunatelyCraig's-reporthasn't-been-seenover-forty-yearsfirst-collectedlast-seenwithin-a-decadeknowing-this-species-existedgone-foreversadlynot-uncommon-themeendemic-invertebratesdiscoveredhasn't-been-foundover-a-century70-yearsdon't-think-anyonespottedsince-the-1960snot-long-afterfirst-describedfirst-foundstrange-and-uncomfortable-truthsome-of-the-most-important-speciesalso-some-of-the-least-knownby-definitionBritain's-sole-global-responsibilitylose-them-heredespite-that-significancethankfullyorganisations-fightingraising-awarenessrarest-and-most-threatenedotherwise-remainleading-edge-researchevolved-in-stepBritain's-landscapesthousandsunlike-more-familiar-speciesno-population-overseasnowhere-to-reintroducewhy-I-wrote-Endemicutterly-uniquemosseswoodlicebeetlesbuttercupsstories-full-ofright-attentionactionstill-be-savedheld-onpossiblewithin-our-reachall-good-booksellersoverlooked-and-irreplaceableBacks-Goldilocks-ButtercupHeather-StuckeyAbout-the-Authortrekking-up-mountainsscouring-fensinvestigating-exotic-invertebratesfascination-with-wildlifeRSPB's-Big-Garden-BirdwatchBSBI's-New-Year-Plant-HuntBack-from-the-Brink-projectcare-deeplycurrentlyensure-everyoneopportunitywork-with-BSBISHARE-ONClastoptera binotata
twomarked spittlebug
Clastoptera binotata is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, first described by Ball in 1896. The species is found in western North America, with records from Arizona, California, Colorado, and British Columbia. As a member of the spittlebug family, it produces protective froth during its nymphal stage. The specific epithet 'binotata' refers to two distinct markings, likely on the dorsal surface.
Clastoptera brunnea
brown spittlebug
Clastoptera brunnea is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, first described by Ball in 1919. The species is distributed across western North America, with records from Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and Nevada. As a member of the spittlebug family, it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis and nymphs produce characteristic foam masses ('spittle') for protection. Specific ecological details regarding host plants and habitat preferences for this species remain poorly documented.
Clastoptera distincta
Dwarf Mistletoe Spittlebug
Clastoptera distincta is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, described by Doering in 1929. It is known by the common name "Dwarf Mistletoe Spittlebug," indicating an association with dwarf mistletoe plants. The species occurs in the southwestern United States, with documented records from Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Like other members of Clastopteridae, the nymphs produce spittle masses for protection.
Clastoptera n-sp-az
Clastoptera n-sp-az is an undescribed species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, recorded from Arizona. The genus Clastoptera comprises small, compact spittlebugs commonly known as 'spittlebugs' or 'froghoppers' due to the nymphal habit of producing protective foam masses. This species remains formally undescribed, indicating limited published information regarding its biology and distribution.
Clastoptera obtusa tristis
Clastoptera obtusa tristis is a subspecies of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae. Members of this genus are small, compact hemipterans commonly known as spittlebugs due to the frothy protective covering produced by nymphs. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within C. obtusa. Adults are typically found on woody vegetation.
Clastoptera octonotata
Clastoptera octonotata is a species of spittlebug described by Hamilton in 2015. It belongs to the family Clastopteridae, a group of xylem-feeding insects known for producing frothy spittle masses as nymphs. The species name refers to eight distinct markings. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited. It occurs in North America and has been documented through observations on iNaturalist.
Clastoptera pallidocephala
Clastoptera pallidocephala is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, first described by Doering in 1929. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are known as spittlebugs, producing protective froth masses on host plants. The species epithet "pallidocephala" refers to a pale or light-colored head. This species has been recorded in the southwestern United States.
Clastoptera tricincta
Clastoptera tricincta is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, described by Doering in 1929. It belongs to a genus whose common name refers to the frothy 'spittle' produced by nymphs as a protective mechanism. Like other members of Clastopteridae, adults are typically small, compact insects with distinctive color patterns. The specific epithet 'tricincta' likely refers to three bands or stripes on the body, a common naming convention in the genus.
Clastoptera undulata
Casuarina Spittlebug
Clastoptera undulata is a spittlebug species in the family Clastopteridae, first described by Uhler in 1864. It is commonly known as the Casuarina Spittlebug. The species gained attention as an invasive pest in Bermuda, where it was discovered in 1959. Biological control efforts were undertaken using the parasitoid wasp Carabunia myersi. Most individuals in the Bermuda population overwinter as eggs. The species belongs to a group of xylem-feeding insects known for producing protective 'spittle' masses during their nymphal stages.
Cochlorhinini
Cochlorhinini is a tribe of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) established by Oman in 1943. The tribe is classified within the subfamily Deltocephalinae, one of the largest and most diverse subfamilies of leafhoppers. Members of this tribe are true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts and hind legs modified for jumping. The group is primarily known from the Western Hemisphere.
Coelella distincta
Coelella distincta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Neocoelidiinae. The species was originally described as Neocoelidia distincta by Oman in 1931 and later transferred to the genus Coelella. It is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts and is likely associated with woody or herbaceous vegetation typical of arid and semi-arid regions.
Coelidiinae
Coelidiinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) containing over 1,400 species arranged in 10 tribes. The subfamily has a global distribution with particularly high diversity in the Neotropics and Indo-Malayan regions. Many species remain poorly known biologically, with taxonomy currently the primary focus of research.
Colladonus brunneus
Colladonus brunneus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Osborn in 1915. It belongs to the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species has been recorded from several northeastern and midwestern U.S. states.
Colladonus nugax
Colladonus nugax is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1925. It belongs to the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species has been recorded from western North America, specifically British Columbia and California. As a member of the genus Colladonus, it shares the general characteristics of this leafhopper group, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Colladonus okanaganus
Colladonus okanaganus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 2010. The species epithet refers to the Okanagan region. As a member of the genus Colladonus, it belongs to a group of leafhoppers that are known to be preyed upon by certain wasp species.
Colladonus sannio
Colladonus sannio is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Bliven in 1955. It belongs to the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The genus Colladonus includes multiple species of leafhoppers found in North America, some of which are documented as prey for certain wasp species. Records of C. sannio are sparse, with limited observation data available.
Colpopterinae
Colpopterinae is a subfamily of planthoppers in the family Nogodinidae, established by Gnezdilov in 2003. Members of this subfamily are part of the diverse Fulgoroidea superfamily within the order Hemiptera. The subfamily is characterized by specific morphological features of the head and wings that distinguish it from other nogodinid subfamilies. Colpopterinae species are distributed across various regions, with documented observations contributing to ongoing taxonomic research.
Coulinus
Coulinus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, tribe Athysanini. It was established by Beirne in 1954. The genus is placed within the Athysanina subtribe and is known from a single iNaturalist observation in Alaska. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, species in this genus are presumed to be phloem-feeding insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific biological details remain undocumented in available sources.
Criomorphus
Criomorphus is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, established by Curtis in 1831. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species. Members are classified within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a group of true bugs characterized by their piercing-sucking mouthparts and often associated with grassland and wetland habitats.
Criomorphus inconspicuus
Criomorphus inconspicuus is a species of delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae. It was described by Uhler in 1877. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Alaska, Alberta, and parts of Russia (Amur, Buryat, Chuvash). As a member of the Delphacidae, it belongs to a family of planthoppers characterized by a distinctive spur on the hind tibia.
Crumbana
Crumbana is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. The genus was established by Oman in 1949. It belongs to the tribe Deltocephalini, a diverse group within the leafhopper superfamily Membracoidea. Species-level information for this genus appears limited in public databases.
Cuerna balli
Cuerna balli is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Oman and Beamer in 1944. It belongs to the genus Cuerna, which is placed in the tribe Proconiini. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. A comparative developmental biology study of Cuerna arida and C. balli was conducted in Arizona, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Cuerna striata
Striped Leafhopper
Cuerna striata, commonly known as the Striped Leafhopper, is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. It is a member of the tribe Proconiini, which includes many economically significant agricultural pests. The species has been documented across western and central North America, with records from Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, and Illinois. It is a true bug (Hemiptera) that feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Cuerna undescribed-sp-tx-i
Cuerna undescribed-sp-tx-i is an undescribed species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the genus Cuerna, known from Texas. The genus Cuerna belongs to the tribe Cicadellini and includes several described species characterized by bold color patterns and association with woody host plants. This particular taxon represents a distinct morphotype or lineage that has been documented but not yet formally described in the scientific literature.
Cyrtolobus discoidalis
Cyrtolobus discoidalis is a Nearctic treehopper species in the family Membracidae, tribe Smiliini. Like other members of its genus, it possesses an expanded pronotum characteristic of treehoppers. The species has been documented in the eastern United States.
Cyrtolobus pallidifrontis
Cyrtolobus pallidifrontis is a Nearctic treehopper species in the tribe Smiliini, characterized by its expanded pronotum typical of the family Membracidae. The specific epithet 'pallidifrontis' refers to the pale or light-colored front of the head. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the pronounced pronotal modifications that distinguish treehoppers from their close relatives, the leafhoppers. The species has been documented from multiple eastern and central U.S. states.
Danepteryx
Danepteryx is a genus of planthoppers in the family Tropiduchidae, established by Uhler in 1889. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed in North America. These insects belong to the subfamily Elicinae and tribe Elicini within the diverse tropiduchid lineage of fulgoroid planthoppers.
Danepteryx lurida
Danepteryx lurida is a species of planthopper in the family Tropiduchidae, described by Melichar in 1906. The species is native to western North America, with records from California and Baja California. As a member of the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, it belongs to a group of phloem-feeding insects commonly known as planthoppers. The genus Danepteryx is classified within the subfamily Elicinae and tribe Elicini.
Davisonia
Davisonia is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, and tribe Macrostelini. It was described by Dorst in 1937. The genus belongs to the diverse group of true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. As a member of Macrostelini, it is part of a tribe known for species with relatively slender body forms and association with various host plants.
Davisonia snowi
Davisonia snowi is a species of leafhopper (family Cicadellidae) in the tribe Macrostelini. It was originally described as Cicadula snowi by Dorst in 1931 and later transferred to the genus Davisonia. The species has been recorded from western North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, and Illinois. As a member of the subfamily Deltocephalinae, it belongs to one of the largest and most diverse groups of leafhoppers.
Decua cucurbita
Decua cucurbita is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1936. It belongs to the tribe Cicadellini within the subfamily Cicadellinae. Distribution records indicate this species occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona and New Mexico. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of this suborder.
Delphacidae
Delphacid Planthoppers, Planthoppers
Delphacidae is a large family of planthoppers in the order Hemiptera, comprising approximately 2000 species distributed worldwide. Members are distinguished from other "hoppers" by a prominent spur on the tibia of the hindleg—a diagnostic morphological feature unique to this family. All species are phytophagous, with many species occurring on grasses and several serving as significant agricultural pests and vectors of cereal pathogens. Notable pest species include the rice brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), the white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), and the sugarcane planthopper (Perkinsiella saccharicida).
Delphacodes anufrievi
Delphacodes anufrievi is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Wilson in 1992. It belongs to a genus containing numerous species associated with grasses and sedges. The species is known from western Canada, with records from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. Like other delphacids, it likely inhabits wetland and grassland ecosystems where its host plants occur.
Delphacodes bocana
Delphacodes bocana is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Beamer in 1947. The species is known from Texas in the southern United States. Like other members of Delphacidae, it belongs to the Auchenorrhyncha, a group of sap-feeding insects. The genus Delphacodes includes numerous species associated with grassland and wetland habitats.
Delphacodes mcateei
Delphacodes mcateei is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Muir and Giffard in 1924. The species is known from scattered records across the eastern and central United States. As a member of Delphacodes, it likely inhabits grassland and wetland habitats associated with its host plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Delphacodes trimaculata
Delphacodes trimaculata is a species of delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Beamer in 1948. It is a small, sap-feeding insect belonging to the order Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, and Illinois. As a member of the genus Delphacodes, it shares characteristics typical of this group of planthoppers, including a movable spur on the hind tibia.
Delphacodes turgida
Delphacodes turgida is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Beamer in 1948. The species is recorded from the southeastern United States, specifically Florida and Georgia. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts and is associated with grassland and wetland habitats typical of delphacid planthoppers. The taxonomic status of this species has been subject to some confusion, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym while GBIF treats it as accepted.
Delphacodes waldeni
Delphacodes waldeni is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Metcalf in 1923. It belongs to a genus that includes numerous species associated with wetland and grassland habitats. Like other delphacids, it is presumed to feed on plant sap, though specific host plant associations for this species have not been documented. The species has been recorded from limited localities in eastern North America.
Delphacoidea
planthopper superfamily, delphacid planthoppers
Delphacoidea is a superfamily of planthoppers within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, comprising approximately 2,000 described species across two families: Delphacidae (the largest family of planthoppers) and the smaller Achilixiidae. Members are characterized by a movable spur on the hind tibia, a feature unique among planthoppers. The superfamily has a global distribution and includes numerous economically significant agricultural pests, particularly rice planthoppers in the genus *Nilaparvata*.
Deltanus texanus
Deltanus texanus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Osborn and Ball in 1898. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Deltocephalini. The species has been documented in Louisiana, Virginia, and Mexico based on distribution records. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of this group of Hemiptera.
Derbidae
Derbid Planthoppers, Derbids
Derbidae is a large and diverse family of planthoppers within the superfamily Fulgoroidea, comprising over 1,700 described species in 166 genera. Adults are small sap-sucking insects typically 5–10 mm in length, with highly variable morphology across subfamilies and tribes. The family exhibits striking diversity in wing shape, head structure, and antennae form. Nymphs develop in decaying organic matter, particularly under bark of dead trees and in palm debris, where they feed on fungi—an unusual life history trait among planthoppers. Several species are economically significant as suspected vectors of phytoplasma diseases affecting palms, including lethal yellowing and related syndromes, though clear evidence of transmission remains limited.
Deserta bipunctata
Deserta bipunctata is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, described by Ball in 1909. It belongs to the subfamily Orgeriinae, a group of flightless or weak-flying planthoppers commonly known as 'false leafhoppers.' The genus Deserta is endemic to western North America. The specific epithet 'bipunctata' refers to two spots, likely describing a distinctive marking pattern on the body.
Deserta obesa
Deserta obesa is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Ball in 1909. It belongs to the subfamily Orgeriinae, a group commonly known as orgeriine planthoppers that are typically associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The species has been documented from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Utah.