Cicada-parasite
Guides
Epipyropidae
Planthopper Parasite Moths, Planthopper Parasitic Moths, Cicada Parasitic Moths
Epipyropidae is a small family of moths whose larvae are obligate ectoparasites of planthoppers and leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea and related groups), with some species parasitizing cicadas. The family exhibits hypermetamorphosis, with first instar larvae being triungulin-like and highly mobile, while subsequent instars become sessile and highly modified for parasitic feeding. This parasitic lifestyle is unique among Lepidoptera and shared only with the closely related family Cyclotornidae. Approximately 20 species have been described worldwide, distributed across genera including Epipyrops, Epiricania, Fulgoraecia, and Epipomponia.
Rhipiceridae
Cicada-Parasite Beetles
Rhipiceridae is a family of beetles specialized as parasitoids of cicada nymphs. Larvae exhibit hypermetamorphosis, with mobile planidial first instars that actively locate and penetrate underground cicada nymphs, developing as endoparasitoids until host death. Adults display pronounced sexual dimorphism: males possess large flabellate antennae with approximately 30,000 sensilla placodea for detecting chemical cues, while females have compact bodies with simple antennae bearing around 100 sensilla. The family comprises seven genera and approximately 100 described species divided into two subfamilies: Rhipicerinae (Australia, New Caledonia, Chile) and Sandalinae (Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia).
Sandalus californicus
Sandalus californicus is a species of cicada parasite beetle in the family Rhipiceridae, described by LeConte in 1861. It belongs to a genus whose members are specialized parasitoids of cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae). The species occurs in North America. Like other members of its genus, adults are likely active during the emergence period of their cicada hosts.
Sandalus petrophya
cedar beetle
Sandalus petrophya, commonly known as the cedar beetle, is a species of cicada parasite beetle in the family Rhipiceridae. It is found in North America. The species is distinguished from the similar Sandalus niger by a distinct vertical ridge in the middle of its pronotum.
Sandalus porosus
cicada parasite beetle
Sandalus porosus is a species of cicada parasite beetle in the family Rhipiceridae. It is found in North America. The species is part of a small genus of beetles known for their parasitic relationship with cicadas.