Planthopper
Guides
Elachodelphax paransera
Elachodelphax paransera is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Beamer in 1948. It belongs to a genus of small, slender delphacids found in North America. The species has documented occurrence records across the northern United States and southern Canada. Like other delphacids, it is presumed to feed on grasses and sedges, though specific host associations remain unconfirmed. The species appears to be rarely encountered, with limited biological data available.
Elachodelphax unita
Elachodelphax unita is a planthopper species in the family Delphacidae, described by Hamilton in 2002. It is a small, poorly known insect with limited published information. The species has been documented in Utah, North America. As with other delphacids, it likely inhabits grassland or wetland habitats associated with grasses.
Elicinae
Elicinae is a subfamily of tropiduchid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) comprising four extant tribes (Elicini, Bucini, Parathisciini, Elibucini) and four extinct tribes. Members are distinguished from other tropiduchids by their steeply tectiform body shape and distinctive female genitalia. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution with notable concentration in Asia, and includes several species of agricultural and forestry significance.
Eurysa
Eurysa is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, first described by Fieber in 1866. Members of this genus are small, delicate insects associated with grassland and wetland habitats. The genus is recorded from parts of northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with other delphacids, species in Eurysa are presumed to feed on monocotyledonous plants, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Exortus
Exortus is a genus of planthoppers in the family Issidae, established by Gnezdilov in 2004. It belongs to the tribe Thioniini within the subfamily Issinae. Members of this genus are part of the diverse Fulgoroidea superfamily, a group of sap-feeding insects characterized by their modified head structures and often cryptic body forms. The genus is relatively poorly documented in public sources, with limited observational records available.
Exortus fuscomaculosus
Exortus fuscomaculosus is a species of planthopper in the family Issidae, first described by Doering in 1939. It belongs to the subfamily Issinae and tribe Thioniini. The species is known from limited observations, with records primarily from Florida. As a member of Fulgoromorpha, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts and reduced wing venation typical of this group.
Exortus punctiferus
Exortus punctiferus is a species of planthopper in the family Issidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1851. Taxonomic status remains disputed: Catalogue of Life treats it as a synonym of Exortus punctifer, while GBIF and iNaturalist recognize it as accepted. The genus Exortus belongs to the tribe Thioniini within the subfamily Issinae. Very few observations exist, with only six records on iNaturalist.
Fitchiella
Fitchiella is a North American genus of planthoppers in the family Caliscelidae. The genus contains five described species, including the notably rare F. robertsonii, which has been the subject of recent intensive study. Most species remain poorly known biologically.
Fitchiella grandis
Fitchiella grandis is a species of planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, described by Lawson in 1933. The genus Fitchiella belongs to the tribe Peltonotellini within the subfamily Caliscelinae. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona. The genus Fitchiella is closely related to Fitchiella robertsonii, a species studied extensively for its remarkable jumping ability and prairie grass host associations.
Fitchiella mediana
Fitchiella mediana is a small planthopper species in the family Caliscelidae, described by Lawson in 1933. It belongs to a genus containing other rare and poorly known planthoppers. The species has been recorded from Arizona and California. Little is known of its biology compared to its congener F. robertsonii, which has been intensively studied in Iowa prairies.
Fitchiella melichari
A small planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, described by Ball in 1910. Records indicate presence in Arizona. Very little biological information is documented for this species specifically.
Flataloides
Flataloides is a genus of planthoppers in the family Flatidae, first described by Metcalf in 1938. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Flatoidinae, a group characterized by flattened, often leaf-like body forms. The genus contains multiple species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Flatid planthoppers are known for their distinctive waxy secretions and hopping flight when disturbed.
Flataloides signata
Flataloides signata is a species of flatid planthopper in the family Flatidae, first described by Melichar in 1902. Like other flatid planthoppers, it possesses a distinctive broad, flattened body shape with wings held in a tent-like or roof-like manner over the abdomen. The species is recorded from Texas, though detailed ecological information remains limited in available sources.
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.
Flatoides
Flatoides is a genus of planthoppers in the family Flatidae, subfamily Flatoidinae. Members of this genus are characterized by their flattened, often broad body shape typical of flatid planthoppers. The genus was established by Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville in 1844. Species within Flatoides are distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Old World tropics including parts of Africa, Asia, and associated islands. Like other flatids, they are sap-feeding insects that inhabit vegetation where they feed on plant phloem.
Flatoidinae
Flatoidinae is a subfamily of planthoppers within the family Flatidae, distinguished by their dorsoventrally flattened body form and wings held in a nearly horizontal position when at rest. Members of this subfamily are found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Neotropics and West Indies. The subfamily was established by Melichar in 1902 and contains multiple genera including Petrusa and Ormenis. Species in this group are phytophagous and can achieve high population densities on host plants.
Flatoidinus punctatus
Flatoidinus punctatus is a planthopper species in the family Flatidae, characterized by its flattened, often leaf-like body form typical of flatid planthoppers. The species was described by Walker in 1851 and occurs in the southeastern United States and Cuba. Like other flatids, adults possess wings that fold tent-like over the body, and nymphs produce waxy filaments for protection. The specific epithet 'punctatus' refers to punctate (spotted or dotted) markings on the body.
Flatormenis
Northern Flatid Planthopper
Flatormenis is a genus of flatid planthoppers in the family Flatidae, established by Melichar in 1923. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across North and Central America. These planthoppers are characterized by their broad, flattened bodies and wings held in a tent-like or roof-like position over the body. They are nocturnally active and frequently attracted to artificial light sources.
Flatormenis saucia
Flatormenis saucia is a species of planthopper in the family Flatidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1912. The species belongs to the tribe Siphantini within the subfamily Flatinae. Planthoppers in this family are commonly known as flatid planthoppers and are recognized by their broad, flattened bodies and often waxy or powdery appearance. Flatormenis saucia is documented from the southwestern United States and adjacent regions.
Flavoclypeus
Flavoclypeus is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, described by Kennedy and Bartlett in 2014. The genus belongs to the superfamily Delphacoidea, a diverse group of small, sap-feeding insects commonly found in grassland and wetland habitats. As a relatively recently described genus, Flavoclypeus represents part of ongoing taxonomic refinement within the Delphacidae.
Flavoclypeus nigriscutellatus
Flavoclypeus nigriscutellatus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae. The species was described by Beamer in 1947 and is known from a limited number of localities in the central United States and southern Canada. Like other delphacids, it is likely associated with grassland or wetland habitats where its host plants grow. The genus Flavoclypeus is small and poorly studied, with most species known from few specimens.
Flavoclypeus nitens
Flavoclypeus nitens is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Muir and Giffard in 1924. It belongs to the order Hemiptera, a large group of insects characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus Flavoclypeus is part of the diverse planthopper family Delphacidae, which contains many species associated with grass and sedge hosts. Specific biological and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Fowlerium productum
Fowlerium productum is a planthopper species in the family Issidae, native to the Southwestern United States. It was originally described as Thionia producta by Van Duzee in 1908 before being transferred to the genus Fowlerium. Like other issid planthoppers, it is a small, often cryptically colored insect associated with arid and semi-arid environments.
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.
Fulgoroidea
planthoppers
Fulgoroidea is a superfamily of planthoppers within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, comprising over 12,500 described species worldwide. These insects are characterized by their remarkable resemblance to leaves and other plant materials, and their tendency to hop for quick transportation while walking slowly to avoid detection. All members are plant-feeders, though relatively few are considered agricultural pests. The superfamily includes economically significant families such as Flatidae and Derbidae, as well as the lanternfly family Fulgoridae.
Haplaxius
Haplaxius is a genus of cixiid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) in the tribe Oecleini, containing at least 60 described species with a New World distribution. The genus was reinstated by Emeljanov in 1989 for New World species formerly placed in Myndus. Several species are economically significant as vectors of phytoplasmas causing lethal diseases in palms. Haplaxius crudus transmits Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae, the causal agent of lethal yellowing in coconut palms and lethal wilt in oil palms, causing substantial agricultural losses in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and the southern United States.
Haplaxius balli
Haplaxius balli is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Kramer in 1979. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. The species is known from Arizona, USA, based on distribution records. Like other cixiid planthoppers, it is a member of the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, characterized by their distinctive head morphology and wing venation patterns.
Haplaxius beameri
Haplaxius beameri is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Ball in 1933. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona.
Haplaxius catalinus
Haplaxius catalinus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Ball in 1933. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini, a group of cixiids characterized by particular wing venation and genitalia structures. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States. Cixiidae planthoppers are generally small, cryptic insects with reduced wings in many species, though specific details for H. catalinus remain limited in published literature.
Haplaxius crudus
American Palm Cixiid, palm leafhopper
Haplaxius crudus is a cixiid planthopper and the primary known vector of lethal yellowing phytoplasma, a devastating disease of palms. The species has a complex life cycle split between two distinct host groups: nymphs develop on grasses and sedges, while adults feed exclusively on palms. This host alternation makes management challenging, as nymphs and adults occupy different habitats. The species is economically significant across the Caribbean, Florida, and tropical America, where it has caused millions of palm deaths and substantial agricultural losses.
Haplaxius enotatus
Haplaxius enotatus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1909. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini and is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Haplaxius. The species has been documented in six iNaturalist observations, indicating it is infrequently encountered or underreported.
Haplaxius flocki
Haplaxius flocki is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Kramer in 1979. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. As a member of the Fulgoromorpha, it shares characteristics with other cixiid planthoppers, though specific details about its biology remain limited in available literature. The species is known from the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
Haplaxius fulvus
Haplaxius fulvus is a planthopper species in the family Cixiidae, first described by Osborn in 1903. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. The species has been recorded from multiple states in the eastern and central United States. Like other cixiid planthoppers, it is likely associated with host plants where nymphs develop underground feeding on roots.
Haplaxius glyphis
Haplaxius glyphis is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Kramer in 1979. It belongs to a genus of small, inconspicuous insects that inhabit forested and vegetated environments. The species is recorded from northeastern North America, with documented occurrences in the United States and Canada.
Haplaxius impiger
Haplaxius impiger is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. Records indicate presence in Colorado and New Mexico, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Haplaxius lunatus
Haplaxius lunatus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1909 as Myndus lunatus. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. The species is part of the diverse Hemipteran fauna of North America, with records from Florida. Like other cixiids, it is a small, delicate planthopper with reduced wings in some individuals.
Haplaxius nigrifrons
Haplaxius nigrifrons is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Ball in 1937. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. The species is known from Texas based on distribution records. As with other cixiid planthoppers, it is likely associated with vascular plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Haplaxius ovatus
Haplaxius ovatus is a cixiid planthopper in the family Cixiidae, order Hemiptera. It has been documented in association with switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a perennial grass native to North America. The species was described by Ball in 1933 and occurs in multiple U.S. states including Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, and Iowa, as well as Guizhou Province in China.
Haplaxius rubidus
Haplaxius rubidus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Ball in 1933. It belongs to the suborder Auchenorrhyncha within the order Hemiptera. The species has been documented in Texas. As a member of the Cixiidae family, it shares characteristics with other planthoppers that feed on plant vascular tissues using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Haplaxius truncatus
Haplaxius truncatus is a planthopper species in the family Cixiidae, first described by Metcalf in 1923. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. The species has been recorded in the north-central United States, specifically in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Like other cixiid planthoppers, it is likely associated with plant roots during its immature stages and feeds on plant sap as an adult.
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.
Haplaxius yuccandus
Haplaxius yuccandus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Ball in 1933. The species name suggests an association with yucca plants. It belongs to a genus of small, often cryptic planthoppers that inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Like other Cixiidae, adults are capable of flight and nymphs are subterranean root-feeders.
Hysteropterinae
A subfamily of planthopper bugs in the family Issidae, containing approximately 59 genera distributed across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The group is characterized by its type genus Hysteropterum. One member species, Agalmatium bilobum, has established as an invasive population in California, United States.
Hysteropterini
Hysteropterini is a tribe of planthoppers within the family Issidae, subfamily Hysteropterinae. Members of this tribe are characterized by their compact body form and reduced wings, adaptations associated with a ground-dwelling or low-vegetation lifestyle. The tribe was established by Melichar in 1906 and contains multiple genera distributed primarily in the Palearctic region. These insects are part of the diverse fulgoromorph fauna but are less frequently encountered than their more volant relatives.
Isodelphax
Isodelphax is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, established by Fennah in 1963. The genus contains at least two described species: Isodelphax basivitta (Van Duzee, 1909) and Isodelphax nigridorsum. Members of this genus are small, winged insects belonging to the true bug order Hemiptera. As delphacid planthoppers, they are characterized by a movable spur on the hind tibia, a diagnostic feature of the family Delphacidae.
Isodelphax nigridorsum
A small delphacid planthopper species described by Crawford in 1914. Known from limited records across northeastern and north-central North America. The species epithet "nigridorsum" refers to a dark or black dorsal surface. Like other delphacids, it possesses a distinctive movable spur on the hind tibia, a diagnostic feature of the family.
Issinae
Issinae is a subfamily of planthoppers within the family Issidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea). The group contains multiple tribes including the recently erected Picumnini and subtribe Duroidina within Parahiraciini. Taxonomic revisions continue to clarify relationships within this subfamily, particularly regarding New World taxa. The subfamily is characterized by specific morphological features including wing venation and body form typical of the Issidae family.
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.