Phloem-feeder
Guides
Enchenopa on-robinia-pseudoacacia
Enchenopa on-robinia-pseudoacacia is a treehopper species (family Membracidae) associated with black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). It belongs to a genus known for host-specific associations with particular plant species. The species name reflects this documented host relationship. Like other Enchenopa species, it likely exhibits maternal care of eggs and nymphal aggregations, though specific studies on this species are limited.
Enchenopa on-tilia-americana
Enchenopa on-tilia-americana is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae. Like other members of the genus Enchenopa, this species is characterized by a pronotum that extends posteriorly into a distinctive crest or "thorn-like" shape, providing effective camouflage on plant stems. The specific epithet suggests an association with American linden or basswood (Tilia americana), though detailed host records for this particular species remain limited. Treehoppers in this genus are known for their remarkable morphological diversity and specialized plant associations.
Entylia
keel-shaped treehopper
Entylia is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, first described by Germar in 1833. The genus contains at least three described species, including Entylia carinata, which is known for its distinctive keel-shaped pronotum that resembles plant debris. These insects are notable for their mutualistic relationships with ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for honeydew. The genus is distributed in North America, with observations recorded from regions including the northeastern United States.
Entylia carinata
keeled treehopper
Entylia carinata is a small treehopper in the family Membracidae, notable for its pronounced saddle-shaped pronotal keel. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females larger and more prominently keeled than males. It engages in mutualistic relationships with several ant species and demonstrates parental care behavior. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to reproduce on host plants.
Entylia carinata concisa
Entylia carinata concisa is a subspecies of treehopper in the family Membracidae. Treehoppers in this genus are small insects characterized by an enlarged, often hatchet-shaped pronotum that extends over the thorax. The species Entylia carinata has been documented in association with odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile), which tend the treehoppers for their honeydew secretions. The subspecies concisa represents a geographic variant within this ant-associated treehopper complex.
Erasmoneura emeljanovi
Erasmoneura emeljanovi is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described in 2007. It belongs to a genus of small, often colorful leafhoppers distributed primarily in the Nearctic region. The species is part of the diverse Erythroneurini tribe, whose members feed on plant phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Like other Erasmoneura species, it likely inhabits herbaceous vegetation and woody plants. Detailed biological studies on this particular species remain limited.
Eratoneura externa
Eratoneura externa is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. The genus Eratoneura belongs to the tribe Erythroneurini, a group of small, often colorful leafhoppers commonly known as sharpshooters or leafhoppers. Like other members of the genus, E. externa is likely a phloem-feeding insect associated with woody plants. The species was described by Beamer in 1931. Very few specific details about this particular species are documented in the available literature.
Eratoneura manus
Eratoneura manus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Beamer in 1932. As a member of the subfamily Typhlocybinae, it shares the characteristic brochosome-producing capabilities common to this group. The species has been recorded in the northeastern United States, specifically New Hampshire and New York. Like other Eratoneura species, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap.
Eriococcus
felt scales, bark scales
Eriococcus is a genus of felt scales (bark scales) in the family Eriococcidae, order Hemiptera. These insects are characterized by producing white, felt-like waxy coverings over their bodies. Some species, such as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae (crapemyrtle bark scale), are significant invasive pests of ornamental plants, while others like E. spurius damage American elm trees. The taxonomy of Eriococcidae remains debated, with some authorities placing these species in Acanthococcidae.
Eriosomatinae
Woolly Aphids, Gall-making Aphids
Eriosomatinae is a subfamily of aphids distinguished by filamentous waxy secretions that produce a cotton-like or woolly appearance. Members exhibit typically heteroecious holocyclic life cycles, alternating between primary and secondary host plants, with strong primary host plant specialization. Many species induce galls on primary hosts, particularly on Ulmaceae (elms, zelkovas), Salicaceae (poplars), and Anacardiaceae (sumacs). The subfamily contains three tribes: Eriosomatini, Fordini, and Pemphigini.
Erythridula verdana
Erythridula verdana is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Erythridula, it is a tiny insect, typically measuring under 5 millimeters in body length. Leafhoppers in this genus are known for their vivid coloration despite their small size, often displaying streaks and bands across their wings. The species was described by Ross and DeLong in 1953.
Erythridula volucris
Erythridula volucris is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It belongs to a genus of small, often colorful leafhoppers commonly referred to as microleafhoppers. The species was described by Beamer in 1930. Like other members of its tribe Erythroneurini, it is likely a phloem-feeding insect associated with woody or herbaceous host plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Erythroneura
leafhoppers, microleafhoppers, grape leafhoppers
Erythroneura is a large genus of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) containing approximately 79 recognized species. Members are small, often colorful insects commonly known as microleafhoppers or grape leafhoppers. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of grapevines (Vitis spp.), while others feed on sycamore (Platanus) and various other host plants. The genus exhibits complex ecological relationships including resource partitioning among sympatric species and serves as host for specialized egg parasitoids in the family Mymaridae.
Erythroneura aclys
Three-banded Leafhopper
Erythroneura aclys is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by McAtee in 1920. It belongs to the genus Erythroneura, a diverse group of small, colorful leafhoppers commonly known as microleafhoppers or sharpshooters. Like other members of its genus, E. aclys is associated with woody plants and is active during the growing season in temperate North America. The species is characterized by distinct wing patterning that aids in identification.
Erythroneura acuticephala
Erythroneura acuticephala is a species of microleafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Robinson in 1924. It belongs to the genus Erythroneura, a diverse group of small leafhoppers commonly known as microleafhoppers, many of which are associated with woody plants. The species epithet 'acuticephala' refers to its pointed head shape. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a phloem-feeding insect that inhabits deciduous forest and woodland edge habitats.
Erythroneura elegantula
Western Grape Leafhopper
Erythroneura elegantula, the Western Grape Leafhopper, is a leafhopper species native to western North America and a significant pest of cultivated grapevines. It completes two generations annually between April and September in California vineyards. Population densities vary with proximity to vegetational borders, remaining stable near diverse perennial flowering hedgerows and riparian zones while declining at greater distances from borders. The species serves as host for egg parasitoids in the genus Anagrus (Mymaridae), which provide biological control.
Erythroneura reflecta
Erythroneura reflecta is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, native to the Eastern United States. It is most frequently encountered in Illinois and Ohio. The species is associated with several woody host plants including wild grapes (Vitis riparia), Prunus fruit trees, and Aesculus trees and shrubs. Adults are noted for their variable and often vivid coloration.
Euceraphis gillettei
American Alder Aphid
Euceraphis gillettei, commonly known as the American Alder Aphid, is a North American aphid species in the family Aphididae. It belongs to the genus Euceraphis, which comprises aphids associated with alder trees (Alnus spp.). The species was described by Davidson in 1915 and is distinguished from its congener Euceraphis punctipennis primarily by geographic distribution and host preferences.
Euceraphis papyrifericola
Paper Birch Aphid
A host-specific aphid species described in 2002, distinguished from close relatives by morphometric differences and karyotype. Restricted to paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Part of a cryptic species complex previously grouped under E. betulae.
Eupteryx
Eupteryx is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Species within this genus are small, plant-feeding insects with documented associations primarily with plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and stinging nettles (Urtica dioica). Some species, notably E. decemnotata, have undergone rapid range expansion in recent decades. The genus exhibits host-specific oviposition behavior and color polymorphism in nymphal stages.
Eupteryx melissae
sage leafhopper, banded sage hopper
Eupteryx melissae is a small leafhopper in the subfamily Typhlocybinae, commonly found on sage plants (Salvia spp.). It is native to Europe and has been introduced to other regions including North America. The species is a phloem-feeding insect that uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant sap.
Eurymelinae
Eurymelinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) with worldwide distribution. Members are phloem-feeding insects that maintain complex obligate symbioses with microorganisms including bacteria (Sulcia, Nasuia, Sodalis) and yeast-like fungi (Ophiocordycipitaceae) to synthesize essential amino acids. The subfamily exhibits notable ecological diversity, including ant-attended species that engage in trophobiosis.
Eutettix
Eutettix is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae. Species within this genus are small, active insects that feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The 'sp-md' designation indicates an unspecified species, likely a morphospecies or voucher designation used in ecological or biodiversity studies where formal identification was not completed. Leafhoppers in this genus are commonly encountered in grassland and agricultural habitats.
Ferrisia
mealybugs
Ferrisia is a genus of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) established by David T. Fullaway in 1923 with F. virgata as the type species. The genus underwent taxonomic revision in 2012, resulting in recognition of 18 species including eight newly described species, and the transfer of F. floridana to the new genus Pseudoferrisia. Species of Ferrisia are characterized by distinctive morphological features including enlarged dorsal tubular ducts with associated discoidal pores, and ventral oral-collar tubular ducts of varying sizes. The genus is native to the Americas but includes species now found worldwide, with F. virgata being a particularly widespread and economically significant pest.
Ferrisia virgata
striped mealybug, grey mealybug
Ferrisia virgata, commonly known as the striped mealybug, is a highly polyphagous pest species in the family Pseudococcidae. First described from Jamaica in 1893, it spread globally within approximately a decade and is now established in all tropical and subtropical zoogeographic regions. The species is recognized by two dark dorsal longitudinal stripes and is a significant agricultural pest with a host range spanning over 203 genera in 77 plant families. It vectors plant badnavirus diseases affecting cocoa and black pepper, and has been demonstrated to acquire but not effectively transmit 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', the bacterium associated with citrus huanglongbing.
Flatidae
Flatid Planthoppers
Flatidae are a family of planthoppers in the superfamily Fulgoroidea, distributed worldwide. Adults of some species display brightly colored forewings (tegmina), while others are camouflaged with waxy secretions. They feed on phloem sap and some species communicate using substrate-borne vibrations through plant stems. The family contains two subfamilies distinguished by body shape and wing posture: Flatinae with laterally flattened bodies and tent-like tegmina, and Flatoidinae with uncompressed bodies and more horizontal wing positioning.
Flatinae
Flatinae is a subfamily of planthoppers within the family Flatidae, erected by Maximilian Spinola in 1839. Adults are distinguished by bodies that are flattened laterally and tegmina held in a tent-like posture, unlike the related Flatoidinae. The subfamily is cosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical regions, with records from all continents except Antarctica.
Fulgoridae
lanternflies, lanthorn flies
Fulgoridae is a large family of planthoppers within the order Hemiptera, containing over 125 genera worldwide with exceptional diversity in tropical regions. Members range from moderate to large size and often exhibit brilliant, varied coloration that superficially resembles Lepidoptera. The family is commonly known as "lanternflies," a name derived from the historical misconception that the elongated head processes of some species could produce light. These insects possess piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem sap.
Givira ethela
Givira ethela is a carpenter moth (Cossidae: Hypoptinae) native to southwestern North America. It has been recorded from Arizona, California, and Nevada. Since at least the early 2000s, it has been recognized as a pest of mature grapevines (Vitis vinifera) in California's San Joaquin Valley, where larvae bore into the cambium layer of trunks and cordons. The species was originally described as Hypopta ethela in 1893.
Glossonotus crataegi
Quince Treehopper
Glossonotus crataegi is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, commonly known as the Quince Treehopper. The species was described by Fitch in 1851 and is native to eastern and midwestern North America. Treehoppers in this genus are characterized by their enlarged pronotum that forms distinctive helmet-like or keeled structures. G. crataegi is associated with host plants in the Rosaceae family, particularly Crataegus (hawthorn) and Cydonia (quince), which is reflected in its specific epithet. The species is part of the diverse North American treehopper fauna and has been documented in multiple states including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, and Maine.
Glycaspis
Glycaspis is a genus of plant-parasitic psyllids in the family Aphalaridae. Species in this genus are strongly associated with Eucalyptus host plants. The genus includes at least two described species: Glycaspis brimblecombei (red gum lerp psyllid), a significant invasive pest of eucalyptus plantations worldwide, and Glycaspis granulata. Many Glycaspis species exhibit high host specificity, often restricted to single Eucalyptus species or closely related host groups. The genus is native to Australia, where it shows patterns of short-range endemism linked to host plant distribution.
Graminella nigrifrons
black-faced leafhopper
Graminella nigrifrons is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae that serves as a significant agricultural pest and plant virus vector. It transmits multiple agronomically important pathogens including corn stunt virus, maize chlorotic dwarf virus, maize fine streak virus, and phytoplasmas. The species feeds on phloem sap of maize, sorghum, oats, and various grass species. Research has characterized its salivary gland transcriptome, revealing 14,297 salivary gland-enriched transcripts and 195 predicted secretory peptides involved in host feeding and potential modulation of plant defenses.
Gyropsylla
paraguay tea ampul, ampola da erva-mate
Gyropsylla is a genus of psyllids in the family Aphalaridae, containing species that are significant agricultural pests of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis). The genus includes G. spegazziniana, commonly known as 'paraguay tea ampul' or 'ampola da erva-mate', which is a major pest in southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina where yerba mate is cultivated. These insects are phloem feeders that damage the economically important native crop. No registered insecticides exist for this pest in Brazil, making biological control research particularly important.
Haplaxius wheeleri
Haplaxius wheeleri is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Wilson in 1996. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. The species has been documented from the northeastern United States, specifically New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it is a phloem-feeding insect associated with vascular plants.
Hebata nigroscuta
Hebata nigroscuta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It is one of several described species within the genus Hebata, a group of small, often colorful leafhoppers in the tribe Erythroneurini. The species is characterized by distinctive dark markings on the scutellum. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with woody vegetation and feeds on plant phloem.
Heteropsylla texana
Mesquite Psyllid
Heteropsylla texana is a psyllid (family Psyllidae) native to Texas, USA, that feeds on Prosopis species (mesquite). It was introduced to Australia as a biological control agent for invasive mesquite weeds. The species is highly host-specific, with sustained populations only on Prosopis spp. It causes severe distortion of growing leaf and floral shoots through phloem feeding.
Homotoma
fig psylla
Homotoma is a genus of psyllids (jumping plant-lice) erected by Félix Guérin-Méneville in 1844. Members are primarily Palaearctic in distribution and represent the type genus of the subfamily Homotominae. Species in this genus are strongly associated with Ficus (fig) host plants, with several species documented as pests of cultivated figs. The genus includes economically significant species such as Homotoma ficus and Homotoma indica.
Homotoma ficus
Mediterranean fig psyllid, fig psylla
Homotoma ficus is a Mediterranean psyllid species in the family Homotomidae, commonly known as the Mediterranean fig psyllid or fig psylla. It has been introduced to regions outside its native range, including Serbia, through the cultivation of fig plants. The species can cause economic damage to its host plant in certain years. First described by Linnaeus in 1758 as Chermes ficus, it is now classified under the genus Homotoma.
Hyadaphis tataricae
Honeysuckle aphid
Hyadaphis tataricae is a European aphid species introduced to North America, first recorded in Quebec, Canada, and subsequently found in the north-central United States. It is a significant pest of ornamental honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), causing distinctive witches'-brooming deformation of growing tips. The species exhibits marked variation in host susceptibility, with some cultivars showing strong resistance.
Hylesinini
Crenulate Bark Beetles
Hylesinini is a tribe of crenulate bark beetles within the weevil family Curculionidae. The tribe comprises at least 20 genera and approximately 80 described species. Members are characterized by the presence of crenulate (scalloped or notched) elytral declivity, a diagnostic feature distinguishing them from related bark beetle tribes. These beetles are primarily associated with woody plants and are distributed across multiple continents.
Hylesinus aculeatus
eastern ash bark beetle
Hylesinus aculeatus, commonly known as the eastern ash bark beetle, is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Hylesinus, which are primarily associated with ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). The species is native to North America and has been documented across a broad geographic range from Canada through the United States. Like other bark beetles in this genus, it is likely a phloem feeder that develops under the bark of host trees, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Hyperomyzus
Currant-Daisy Aphids
Hyperomyzus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Börner in 1933. The genus comprises more than 20 described species, commonly known as Currant-Daisy Aphids. The best-studied species, Hyperomyzus lactucae (the sowthistle aphid), is a significant agricultural pest and plant virus vector. Members of this genus exhibit typical aphid characteristics including phloem-feeding habits and complex life cycles involving both sexual and asexual reproduction.
Idiocerus
Idiocerus is a large genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Lewis in 1834. The genus is taxonomically challenging, with many species exhibiting similar morphology that complicates identification. Species are predominantly associated with woody host plants, particularly poplars (Populus) and willows (Salix), though some species have been documented as pests of mango (Mangifera indica) in India. The genus has a broad distribution across the Holarctic region, with numerous species in both Europe and North America.
Idona
Idona is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, and tribe Dikraneurini. The genus was established by DeLong in 1931. Species within this genus are associated with agricultural crops, including avocado, where at least one species (Idona minuenda) has been identified as a pest. The genus is part of the diverse leafhopper fauna of the Americas and has been documented in taxonomic studies focusing on Typhlocybinae systematics.
Illinoia
Illinoia is a genus of aphids (Aphididae: Aphidinae: Macrosiphini) established by Wilson in 1910. The genus contains multiple economically and ecologically significant species, including the tuliptree aphid (I. liriodendri), a notable pest of ornamental Liriodendron tulipifera, and the blueberry aphid (I. pepperi). Species in this genus are phloem-feeding insects associated with specific host plants, with some having become invasive outside their native ranges.
Ips
Engraver beetles, Ips engraver beetles, Pine engravers
Ips is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. Species are distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with some introduced to Australia and Africa. Many species are forest pests, particularly of pines and spruces. They are commonly known as engraver beetles due to the distinctive gallery patterns their larvae carve beneath bark.
Ips confusus
pinyon pine beetle, pinyon ips, pinyon engraver beetle
Ips confusus is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the pinyon pine beetle or pinyon ips. It is a significant pest of pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The beetle colonizes stressed or weakened trees, creating galleries beneath the bark where larvae feed on phloem tissues. Population outbreaks can cause extensive tree mortality, particularly during drought conditions.
Ischnodemus
Wheat Chinch-bugs
Ischnodemus is a genus of true bugs in the family Blissidae containing approximately 95 species. Adults are characterized by moderately to very elongated bodies, reflected in the genus name derived from Greek for 'feeble body.' The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution across all major zoogeographic regions and shows strong associations with grasses (Poaceae), with some species utilizing sedges (Cyperaceae). Several species are economically significant, including I. variegatus (Myakka bug), an introduced species in North America being evaluated as a biological control agent for invasive West Indian marsh grass.
Issini
Issini is a tribe of small planthoppers within the family Issidae, characterized by stocky, usually brownish bodies measuring 5–20 mm. Members possess hemispherical body shapes and often exhibit reduced flight capability despite having developed wings, preferring crawling and jumping in vegetation. The tribe is distributed across the Oriental realm, with significant diversity in southern China. Issini includes four subtribes: Hemisphaeriini, Parahiraciini, Issini, and Colpopterini.
Issus coleoptratus
Issus coleoptratus is a flightless planthopper in the family Issidae, notable as the first species in which the function of gear-like structures on nymph hind legs was described. These intermeshing gears synchronize leg movement during jumping. Adults measure 5.5–7.0 mm and vary from light brown to nearly black. The species has one generation per year and feeds on phloem of various deciduous trees.