Planthopper
Guides
Prokelisia crocea
Prokelisia crocea is a delphacid planthopper species in the family Delphacidae, characterized by its association with salt marsh and coastal wetland habitats. The species was originally described by Van Duzee in 1897 as Kelisia crocea before being transferred to the genus Prokelisia. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, and Delaware.
Prokelisia dolus
Prokelisia dolus is a delphacid planthopper species inhabiting salt marsh environments in North America. The species has been characterized by a polygynous mating system in which males may copulate with multiple females while females typically mate once. Sexual receptivity in females is triggered by a substance in male ejaculate, with receptivity onset occurring approximately 48 hours post-eclosion. The species serves as host for nymphal and adult parasites, with parasitism rates documented in field studies.
Prokelisia marginata
Prokelisia marginata is a wing-dimorphic delphacid planthopper native to North American salt marshes, where it feeds on phloem sap of Spartina grasses. Populations contain two distinct adult forms: flightless brachypters and fully-winged macropters capable of dispersal flight. Wing-form is determined environmentally during nymphal development, primarily by crowding density and host plant quality, representing a conditional strategy that balances local reproduction against habitat tracking. The species has established invasive populations in Britain, where it exploits the introduced cordgrass Spartina anglica.
Prokelisia salina
Prokelisia salina is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to a genus of small, delicate insects commonly known as mealybugs or planthoppers that are associated with grasses and sedges. The species epithet 'salina' suggests an association with saline or salt-affected habitats. Like other delphacids, it possesses a characteristic spur on the hind tibia and feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Protrocha
Protrocha is a genus of planthoppers in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Emeljanov in 1996. It belongs to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha within the order Hemiptera. The genus is classified in the tribe Peltonotellini and subfamily Caliscelinae. As of current records, it contains an undetermined number of species with limited published documentation.
Protrocha minuta
Protrocha minuta is a species of planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Bunn in 1930. It belongs to the tribe Peltonotellini within the subfamily Caliscelinae. The genus Protrocha is part of a group of small, often overlooked planthoppers that inhabit grassy and herbaceous vegetation. Very little is known about the specific biology or ecology of this species, reflecting the broader pattern of understudied diversity within the Caliscelidae family.
Protrocha obscura
Protrocha obscura is a species of planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1912. It belongs to the tribe Peltonotellini within the subfamily Caliscelinae. The species is placed in the superfamily Fulgoroidea, a diverse group of fulgoroid planthoppers characterized by their often distinctive head morphology. Very little is known about the biology and ecology of this species, which appears to be rarely encountered based on limited observation records.
Reptalus
Reptalus is a genus of planthoppers in the family Cixiidae, established by Emeljanov in 1971. Species in this genus are widely distributed across Europe and parts of Asia, with documented occurrences in European Russia, Kazakhstan, Korea, and Serbia. Multiple Reptalus species have been implicated as vectors of phytoplasma plant pathogens, particularly 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani', which causes economically significant diseases such as potato stolbur. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism in some species, and identification traditionally requires examination of male genitalia, limiting identification of females and nymphs.
Reptalus beirnei
Reptalus beirnei is a planthopper species in the family Cixiidae, first described by Emeljanov in 1978. It belongs to the subgenus Pererepa within the genus Reptalus. The species is documented from the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. Cixiidae planthoppers are generally small to medium-sized insects with membranous wings and are often associated with woody or herbaceous vegetation.
Rhabdocephala brunnea
Rhabdocephala brunnea is a planthopper species in the family Fulgoridae, described by Van Duzee in 1929. The species is known from limited distributional records in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Nymphal stages have been described in detail, with five instars ranging from 2.5–3.0 mm in first instar to 10.0–12.5 mm in fifth instar. The species has an exceptionally broad host plant range, feeding on numerous grass species across multiple genera including agricultural crops such as corn, sorghum, rice, and sugarcane.
Rhynchomitra
Rhynchomitra is a genus of planthoppers in the family Dictyopharidae, established by Fennah in 1944. The genus contains five described species distributed across the Americas, from the United States through Mexico to Cuba. These insects belong to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a group known for their distinctive head morphology and jumping ability. Members of this genus are characterized by features typical of dictyopharid planthoppers, including elongated body forms.
Rhynchomitra lingula
Rhynchomitra lingula is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1908. It belongs to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a group of true bugs known for their often elaborate head projections. The species has been documented across the southeastern United States.
Rhynchomitra microrhina
Rhynchomitra microrhina is a species of dictyopharid planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae. It is a true bug in the order Hemiptera, characterized by the elongated head structure typical of its genus. The species has been documented across the southeastern United States. It is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus, with over 1,600 citizen science records.
Rhynchomitra recurva
Rhynchomitra recurva is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Metcalf in 1923. It is native to the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. The species is part of the diverse Fulgoroidea superfamily, commonly known as planthoppers, which are characterized by their distinctive head morphology and jumping hind legs.
Ribautodelphax magna
Ribautodelphax magna is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. It belongs to a genus of small, often economically significant planthoppers that are associated with grasses and sedges. Like other delphacids, it likely exhibits the characteristic backward-pointing spur on the hind tibia. The species is recorded from western North America including Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, and Arizona.
Rotundifronta
Rotundifronta is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, established by Beamer in 1950. It belongs to the tribe Delphacini within the subfamily Delphacinae. Delphacid planthoppers are small to medium-sized insects characterized by a movable spur on the hind tibia. The genus name refers to the rounded frontal structure of the head.
Rotundifronta lutea
Rotundifronta lutea is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Beamer in 1950. It belongs to a genus of small delphacid planthoppers characterized by rounded frontoclypeal structures. The species epithet "lutea" (meaning yellow) likely refers to coloration. Like other delphacids, it is associated with grasses and sedges in wetland habitats.
Saccharosydne
delphacid planthoppers
Saccharosydne is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, established by Kirkaldy in 1907. The genus comprises approximately nine described species distributed across the Americas, with the type species Saccharosydne saccharivora (Westwood, 1833) being a major pest of sugar-cane. Species in this genus are phloem-feeding insects associated with grasses and sugar-cane, with some serving as vectors of plant pathogens including phytoplasmas.
Saccharosydnini
Saccharosydnini is a tribe of delphacid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae) established by Vilbaste in 1968. The tribe includes at least one new genus, Lacertina, described from Argentina with distinctive dorsoventrally flattened morphology. Some members are associated with sugarcane and serve as vectors of plant pathogens.
Sayiana
Sayiana is a genus of planthoppers in the family Derbidae, subfamily Otiocerinae, established by Ball in 1928. The genus contains four recognized species distributed in the Caribbean region, including Puerto Rico and Vieques Island. Members of this genus are small, delicate planthoppers characteristic of the Otiocerinae, which are known for their elongated bodies and often reduced wings.
Sayiana sayi
Sayiana sayi is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, first described by Ball in 1902 under the name Anotia sayi. It belongs to the tribe Otiocerini within the subfamily Otiocerinae. The species is recorded from several states in the eastern and central United States. As a member of Fulgoromorpha, it shares the characteristic morphology of planthoppers, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Scaralina
Scaralina is a genus of planthoppers in the family Fulgoridae described in 2024. The genus contains 15 species distributed from Idaho to Panama, with most species occurring at elevations above 1000 meters. Adults are strongly attracted to blacklights and are most diverse in the Madrean Sky Islands bioregion.
Scaralina cristata
Scaralina cristata is a planthopper species in the family Fulgoridae, distinguished by its association with oak habitats at higher elevations. It occurs from Arizona south through the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico, overlapping in range with congeners S. aethrinsula and S. metcalfi. Adults are readily attracted to blacklights, facilitating detection and study. The species was formally described in 2024, resolving decades of taxonomic confusion under the misapplied name Alphina glauca.
Scaralina rileyi
Scaralina rileyi is a species of planthopper in the family Fulgoridae, described by Yanega in 2024. It belongs to the subfamily Lystrinae and tribe Poiocerini. The genus Scaralina is part of the diverse planthopper superfamily Fulgoroidea, which includes many species with distinctive morphological adaptations. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Scolops austrinus
Scolops austrinus is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by an elongated cephalic projection resembling a snout or horn. It is native to the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona and Oklahoma. Like other members of the genus, it inhabits arid grasslands and dry prairie habitats. The species was described by Breakey in 1929 and belongs to a genus of 32 recognized species endemic to southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico.
Scolops californicus
California Dictyopharid Planthopper
Scolops californicus is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, endemic to California. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive head morphology with an extended, often bizarrely modified frons. The species is part of the diverse planthopper fauna of western North America, with records primarily from California. As a member of Hemiptera, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant vascular tissues.
Scolops cockerelli
Rhinoceros planthopper
Scolops cockerelli is a small planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated rostrum that gives it a 'rhinoceros' appearance. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other Scolops species, it feeds on plant sap but is not considered an agricultural pest. Adults are typically straw-colored, brown, or gray with reduced wings in some forms.
Scolops flavidus
Yellowish Dictyopharid Planthopper
Scolops flavidus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Breakey in 1929. It belongs to the genus Scolops, which is characterized by an elongated, often snout-like head projection. The species epithet "flavidus" refers to its yellowish coloration. Like other dictyopharids, it is a member of the Hemiptera suborder Auchenorrhyncha, which includes planthoppers, leafhoppers, and cicadas. The species has been recorded from Oregon and Texas.
Scolops grossus
Scolops grossus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated head projection. The species was described by Uhler in 1876. Like other members of the genus, it inhabits arid and semi-arid environments in western North America. It feeds on plant sap, primarily from host plants in the families Asteraceae and Chenopodiaceae.
Scolops hesperius
Scolops hesperius is a small planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated rostrum that gives the genus its common nickname "rhinoceros planthoppers." The species occurs in western North America and shares the genus-wide traits of squat body form, straw to brown or gray coloration, and enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping. Like other Scolops species, it inhabits arid environments including dry fields, prairies, and grasslands. The biology of this species specifically remains poorly documented, as most research has addressed the genus collectively.
Scolops maculosus
Scolops maculosus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated snout or 'horn' projection. It was described by Ball in 1902. Like other members of the genus Scolops, it is a small, squat insect feeding on plant sap. The species is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Scolops neomexicanus
Scolops neomexicanus is a small planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by its distinctive elongated facial projection resembling a horn or 'nose.' The species is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other members of genus Scolops, it exhibits a squat, compact body form with wings typically held roof-like over the abdomen. The species was described by Lawson and Beamer in 1930 and is one of approximately 32 recognized species in the genus.
Scolops osborni
Scolops osborni is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the genus Scolops, which comprises approximately 32 species restricted to North America. Like other members of this genus, S. osborni possesses a distinctive elongated facial projection or 'horn' that gives these insects their characteristic appearance. The species is known from the central United States, with records from Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Ohio.
Scolops pallidus
Scolops pallidus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Uhler in 1900. It belongs to a genus of distinctive 'rhinoceros planthoppers' characterized by an elongated head projection resembling a snout or horn. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it was previously listed as a synonym in some sources. Like other Scolops species, it is native to North America and feeds on plant sap.
Scolops perdix
Partridge Scolops
Scolops perdix, commonly known as the Partridge Scolops, is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae. It is one of 32 recognized species in the genus Scolops, which is endemic to North America. The species is characterized by its distinctive elongated rostrum that gives the appearance of a horn or nose. Like other Scolops, it is not considered an agricultural pest.
Scolops pruinosus
Scolops pruinosus is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by an elongated rostrum or 'horn' projecting from the head. Like other members of the genus Scolops, it is a small, squat insect with reduced wings in some individuals. The genus is endemic to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. These planthoppers feed on plant sap, primarily from host plants in the families Asteraceae and Chenopodiaceae. Very little is known about the specific biology of S. pruinosus, as most Scolops species remain poorly studied.
Scolops pungens
Partridge Scolops
Scolops pungens is a small planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated snout or 'nose' that gives it a rhinoceros-like appearance. Adults measure approximately 5–8 mm in length and exhibit straw-colored to brown or gray coloration. The species is native to North America, occurring in southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. Like other members of the genus, it feeds on plant sap but is not considered an agricultural pest.
Scolops robustus
Scolops robustus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the genus Scolops, a group of distinctive planthoppers characterized by an elongated facial projection often compared to a rhinoceros horn. The species is part of a genus endemic to southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. Like other Scolops species, S. robustus is small (approximately 5-8 mm), typically straw-colored to brown or gray, and possesses the genus-defining elongated cephalic projection.
Scolops socorroensis
Scolops socorroensis is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, described by Lawson and Beamer in 1930. Like other members of the genus Scolops, it possesses a distinctive elongated head projection resembling a horn. The species is known from New Mexico, USA. Very little is known about its specific biology.
Scolops viridis
Green Dictyopharid Planthopper
Scolops viridis is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a group known for their distinctive head structures and jumping abilities. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States including Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. As a member of the Dictyopharidae, it shares family-level characteristics of having an elongated, often enlarged head structure.
Scolopsella
Scolopsella is a genus of planthoppers in the family Fulgoridae, subfamily Amyclinae, tribe Amyclini. The genus was established by Ball in 1905 and is currently accepted as valid. As a fulgorid planthopper, members of this genus possess the characteristic features of the family, including an enlarged, often ornate head structure. The genus is part of the diverse New World fulgorid fauna. Specific biological details for the genus remain poorly documented in available literature.
Scolopsella reticulata
Scolopsella reticulata is a planthopper species in the family Fulgoridae, described by Ball in 1905. It belongs to the subfamily Amyclinae and tribe Amyclini. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, including Arizona, California, and Sonora. Like other fulgorids, it is presumed to feed on plant sap, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Scolopygos
Scolopygos is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, described by Bartlett in 2002. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Delphacini and are characterized by features typical of delphacid planthoppers, including a movable spur on the hind tibia. The genus is part of the diverse Delphacidae family, which contains many economically significant agricultural pests.
Shellenius
Shellenius is a small genus of planthoppers in the family Derbidae, subfamily Otiocerinae, tribe Otiocerini. The genus was established by Ball in 1928 and contains species distributed in the eastern United States and Mesoamerica. At least one species has been documented in association with palms in Costa Rica. A recent taxonomic revision transferred Otiocerus interruptus Fowler to this genus as Shellenius interruptus.
Sikaiana
Sikaiana is a genus of planthoppers in the family Derbidae, subfamily Otiocerinae, and tribe Sikaianini. The genus was established by Distant in 1907. Members of this genus are true bugs (Hemiptera) in the infraorder Auchenorrhyncha, a group characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts and often elaborate wing structures. The genus is part of a diverse family of planthoppers distributed primarily in tropical regions.
Sikaiana harti
Sikaiana harti is a species of derbid planthopper in the family Derbidae, originally described as Euklastus harti by Metcalf in 1923. The species is part of the tribe Sikaianini within the subfamily Otiocerinae. As a derbid planthopper, it belongs to a group of true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by their distinctive wing morphology and plant-feeding habits.
Sikaianini
Sikaianini is a tribe of small, delicate planthoppers in the family Derbidae, comprising 6 genera and 34 species as of 2025. Members are among the smallest derbids, with body lengths of 1.5–2.5 mm and forewings 4–6 mm. The tribe is characterized by eyes that extend forward to reach or nearly reach the clypeus, unusual forewing venation with fused subcosta and radius veins, and short hind wings less than half the length of the forewings. Adults have been observed feeding on palm trees, though nymphal biology remains unknown.
Siphanta
Siphanta is a genus of planthoppers in the family Flatidae, characterized by distinct morphological features of the head and thorax. Most species are native to Australia, with some introduced to other regions. Members are herbivorous, with at least one species known to be polyphagous and economically significant as a pest of agricultural and ornamental plants.
Siphantini
Siphantini is a tribe of planthoppers within the family Flatidae, subfamily Flatinae. Members are classified in the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, an ancient lineage of Hemiptera characterized by their distinctive head morphology. The tribe was established by Melichar in 1923 and contains multiple genera distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Siphantini planthoppers are recognized for their flattened, often leaf-like body form that provides camouflage among foliage.
Sogatella
white-backed planthopper (for S. furcifera)
Sogatella is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, comprising more than 20 described species. The genus was established by Fennah in 1956. The best-studied species, Sogatella furcifera (white-backed planthopper), is a major agricultural pest of rice across Asia. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with rice and grass hosts, with S. furcifera serving as a vector for plant viruses including southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus.