Sternorrhyncha
Guides
Diaphorininae
Diaphorininae is a subfamily of psyllids within the family Psyllidae. Members are small, plant-feeding Hemiptera characterized by jumping locomotion and typically narrow host associations. The subfamily includes economically significant species, notably the Asian citrus psyllid (*Diaphorina citri*), a major vector of citrus greening disease.
Diaspididae
Armored Scale Insects, Armored Scales, Hard Scales
Diaspididae is the largest family of scale insects, comprising over 2,650 described species in approximately 400 genera. Members are commonly known as armored scale insects due to their distinctive protective covering, which incorporates exuviae from the first two nymphal instars, sometimes with fecal matter and host plant fragments. The female remains permanently beneath this armor, feeding on host plant tissues through piercing-sucking mouthparts. The family includes numerous economically significant pests such as the California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), San Jose scale (Diaspidiotus perniciosus), and gloomy scale (Melanaspis tenebricosa), which damage crops, ornamentals, and forest trees worldwide.
Diclidophlebia fremontiae
flannelbush psyllid
Diclidophlebia fremontiae is a species of psyllid (family Liviidae) originally described by Klyver in 1930. It is commonly known as the flannelbush psyllid, indicating an association with flannelbush plants (Fremontodendron spp.). The species belongs to the superfamily Psylloidea, a group of sap-feeding insects often referred to as jumping plant lice. As a member of the Sternorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant vascular tissues.
Drepanaphis carolinensis
Drepanaphis carolinensis is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, subfamily Drepanosiphinae. It was described by Smith in 1941. The genus Drepanaphis is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a sickle-shaped cauda, from which the genus name derives. Like other aphids in this genus, D. carolinensis is likely associated with maple trees (Acer spp.) as host plants, though specific host records for this species are limited. The species name 'carolinensis' suggests a connection to the Carolinas region of the United States.
Drepanaphis idahoensis
Drepanaphis idahoensis is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, subfamily Drepanosiphinae. The species was described by Smith & Dillery in 1968. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, sap-sucking insect that feeds on host plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus Drepanaphis is characterized by certain morphological features of the antennae and siphunculi.
Drepanaphis keshenae
Drepanaphis keshenae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, subfamily Drepanosiphinae. First described by Granovsky in 1931, this species belongs to a genus of aphids that are typically associated with maple trees (Acer spp.). The genus Drepanaphis is characterized by distinctive morphological features and life history traits tied to their host plant relationships. Like other members of its subfamily, D. keshenae is presumed to have complex life cycles involving both sexual and asexual reproduction phases, with host alternation potentially occurring between maple species.
Eucalyptolyma
Eucalyptolyma is a genus of psyllids (jumping plant-lice) in the family Aphalaridae, first described by Froggatt in 1901. Species in this genus are associated with Eucalyptus trees, their namesake host plants. The genus contains multiple described species native to Australia. These insects are small, sap-feeding hemipterans with jumping hind legs characteristic of psyllids.
Eucarazzia elegans
Mediterranean Mint Aphid
Eucarazzia elegans, commonly known as the Mediterranean Mint Aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. It has been documented in the Azores, Madeira, Brazil (São Paulo), and the conterminous United States. The species belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini and was first described by Ferrari in 1872. As a member of the Aphididae, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts and complex life cycles typical of aphids, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Euglyptoneura
Euglyptoneura is a genus of psyllids (jumping plant lice) in the family Psyllidae, established by Heslop-Harrison in 1961. Psyllids in this genus are small, sap-feeding hemipterans associated with host plants. The genus is part of the diverse Psylloidea superfamily, which contains numerous agricultural and ecological pests.
Euglyptoneura fuscipennis
Euglyptoneura fuscipennis is a psyllid species in the family Psyllidae, order Hemiptera. Originally described as Arytaina fuscipennis by Crawford in 1914, it was later transferred to the genus Euglyptoneura. Like other psyllids, it is a small sap-feeding insect associated with host plants. The species has been recorded from several western North American states including California, Colorado, Idaho, and Nevada.
Eulachnus
Pine Needle Aphids
Eulachnus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising approximately 24 species distributed across Eurasia and the Americas. All species are obligately associated with pine trees (Pinus spp.), feeding on phloem sap from needles. Several species, including E. agilis, E. brevipilosus, and E. rileyi, have been introduced beyond their native European ranges and have become significant pests of commercial pine forestry. The genus exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction with multiple overlapping generations annually, and population dynamics are strongly influenced by seasonal climate patterns.
Euphalerus
Euphalerus is a genus of jumping plant lice (psyllids) in the family Psyllidae, first described by Schwarz in 1904. Members of this genus are small sap-feeding insects that inhabit the New World tropics and subtropics. The genus is distinguished by specific wing venation patterns and genitalic structures characteristic of the Psyllidae family. Euphalerus species are associated with various host plants, though specific associations remain incompletely documented.
Euphyllura
olive psyllids, olive psylla
Euphyllura is a genus of plant-feeding psyllids (Hemiptera: Liviidae) established by Arnold Förster in 1848. Species are primarily associated with olive (Olea europaea) and related host plants in the Oleaceae. The genus is predominantly Palaearctic in distribution, with most species occurring in southern Europe and Asia, though records extend to southern Africa and western North America. Several species are economically significant pests of olive cultivation, including E. olivina, E. phillyreae, and E. straminea, which damage developing inflorescences and fruits. The genus exhibits typical psyllid biology with temperature-dependent reproduction and seasonal diapause strategies.
Euphyllura olivina
olive psyllid
Euphyllura olivina is a psyllid species in the family Liviidae that feeds exclusively on olive (Olea europaea). Native to the Mediterranean region, it has become invasive in California where it threatens olive production. The species develops two generations annually, with spring and autumn reproductive activity and summer reproductive diapause induced by high temperatures. Nymphal infestations concentrate near fruits and on shaded, lower canopy portions. Temperature sensitivity shapes its distribution and seasonal activity patterns.
Euphyllurinae
Euphyllurinae is a subfamily of jumping plant-lice (Psylloidea) within the family Liviidae. The subfamily includes economically significant species such as the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), a major vector of citrus greening disease (huanglongbing). Until recently, the subfamily was unknown from the Americas, with the 2023 description of Burckhardtiana from Brazil representing the first Neotropical record.
Formica obscuripes
Western Thatching Ant
Formica obscuripes, the western thatching ant, is a North American mound-building ant known for constructing large thatched nests from plant materials. Colonies can contain up to 40,000 workers and demonstrate complex social organization including behavioral constancy in worker task performance. The species employs hybrid foraging strategies combining pheromone-marked columns with visual and path integration navigation. It maintains defensive mutualisms with aphids and exhibits aggressive territorial behavior including the use of formic acid against intruders and competing vegetation.
Freysuila
Freysuila is a genus of jumping plant lice (psyllids) in the family Psyllidae, established by Aleman in 1887. As members of the superfamily Psylloidea, these insects are small, plant-feeding hemipterans with characteristic jumping hind legs. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited species-level information available. It belongs to a diverse group of phytophagous insects that specialize on vascular plants.
Freysuila phorodendri
Freysuila phorodendri is a species of jumping plant louse in the family Psyllidae. It is associated with mistletoe plants in the genus Phoradendron, as indicated by its species epithet. The genus Freysuila contains relatively few described species and is poorly studied. Available records are sparse, with limited published information on its biology.
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.
Greenideinae
Greenideinae is a subfamily of aphids (Aphididae) comprising approximately 179 extant species across 18 genera in three tribes: Cervaphidini, Greenideini, and Schoutedeniini. Species are primarily distributed in eastern and southern Asia, with many exhibiting specialized associations with woody host plants, particularly in Fagaceae. The subfamily has been extensively studied for its complex symbiotic relationships with microbial associates, including the primary endosymbiont *Buchnera aphidicola* and diverse secondary symbionts.
Heterotrioza
Heterotrioza is a genus of psyllids (jumping plant lice) in the family Triozidae, established by Dobreanu & Manolache in 1960. Members of this genus are sap-feeding insects associated with plants in the family Amaranthaceae. The genus includes at least one documented species in Egypt, Heterotrioza chenopodii, which has been studied for its seasonal abundance patterns.
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.
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.
Insignorthezia
Insignorthezia is a genus of scale insects in the family Ortheziidae, established by Kozár in 2004. Members of this genus are part of the diverse assemblage of ensign scales, characterized by their protective waxy coverings and association with host plants. The genus is known from multiple observations on iNaturalist, suggesting established populations in various regions, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Katacephala grandiceps
Katacephala grandiceps is a species of jumping plant louse (psyllid) in the family Liviidae, subfamily Diaphorininae. First described by Crawford in 1914, it serves as the type species for the genus Katacephala. The genus comprises six species distributed in the Neotropics, all associated with host plants in the family Myrtaceae.
Kuwanaspis
Bamboo Thread Scales
Kuwanaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) known commonly as bamboo thread scales. The genus comprises approximately 20 species, with Kuwanaspis howardi being the most documented. These insects are specialized feeders on bamboo (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), particularly species in the genera Phyllostachys and Pleioblastus. They are recognized as economically significant pests in bamboo cultivation and serve as hosts for specialized entomopathogenic fungi.
Kuwania
Kuwania is a genus of scale insects in the family Kuwaniidae (sometimes historically placed in Margarodidae). The genus was established by Cockerell in 1903. Scale insects in this group are characterized by reduced morphology in adult females, often appearing as immobile, waxy coverings on host plants. The family Kuwaniidae is considered a distinct lineage within the Coccoidea, though its taxonomic placement has been subject to revision.
Kuwaniidae
Kuwaniidae is a small family of scale insects within the order Hemiptera, first described by MacGillivray in 1921. The family comprises approximately 14 described species distributed across four genera: Kuwania, Neogreenia, Neosteingelia, and the extinct genus Hoffeinsia. Members of this family are classified within the superfamily Coccoidea, which includes all scale insects and mealybugs. Kuwaniidae represents one of the lesser-known families of scale insects, with limited biological and ecological documentation available.
Kuwayama
Kuwayama is a genus of psyllid bugs in the family Triozidae, established by Crawford in 1911. The genus belongs to the superfamily Psylloidea, a group of sap-feeding insects commonly known as jumping plant lice. Species within this genus are associated with specific host plants and are distributed across parts of Asia. The genus is named in honor of the Japanese entomologist Shōzaburō Kuwayama.
Kuwayama medicaginis
Kuwayama medicaginis is a species of psyllid in the family Triozidae, first described by Crawford in 1910. It belongs to a genus of jumping plant-lice that feed on host plants. The specific epithet medicaginis suggests an association with Medicago (legume) species, though detailed biological information remains limited in available sources.
Lauxanioidea
Lauxanioidea is a superfamily of true flies (Diptera) comprising three families: Lauxaniidae, Chamaemyiidae, and Celyphidae. Members are small to medium-sized flies, often densely bristled and variably colored. The superfamily is defined by three synapomorphies: convergent postocellar bristles, an abbreviated anal wing vein, and fusion of male abdominal tergites 7 and 8. Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae are sister groups based on molecular phylogenetics. Ecologically, the families diverge sharply: Chamaemyiidae are predators of Sternorrhyncha (aphids, scale insects, adelgids), while Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae larvae primarily feed on decaying vegetation.
Livia
Livia is a genus of plant lice (psyllids) in the family Liviidae, distributed across the Palaearctic and Nearctic realms. The genus serves as the type genus for its family. Nymphs are known to form galls in the developing shoots of rushes and sedges.
Livia caricis
sedge psyllid
Livia caricis is a psyllid species in the family Liviidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. It belongs to the genus Livia, which comprises psyllids associated with sedges (Carex spp.). The species is found in western North America, with distribution records from British Columbia, California, Colorado, and Idaho. Like other psyllids, it is a small sap-feeding insect with host-specific relationships to its plant hosts.
Livia vernaliforma
Livia vernaliforma is a species of jumping plant louse (psyllid) in the family Liviidae, described by Caldwell in 1940. It belongs to a genus whose members are associated with hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species has been recorded from several western and north-central U.S. states. Like other psyllids, it is a small, sap-feeding insect with host-specific relationships to its plant hosts.
Liviidae
plant lice, psyllids, jumping plant-lice
Liviidae is a family of plant-parasitic hemipterans commonly known as plant lice or jumping plant-lice. The family comprises more than 20 genera and approximately 370 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by their ability to jump and their association with vascular plants as phloem-feeders. The family includes significant agricultural pests, most notably Diaphorina citri (Asian citrus psyllid), the primary vector of citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing). Liviidae was formerly treated as Triozidae, and recent taxonomic revisions recognize three monophyletic subfamilies: Euphyllurinae, Liviinae, and the monotypic Neophyllurinae.
Longicaudus
Longicaudus is a genus of aphids (family Aphididae) established by van der Goot in 1913. The genus belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini and contains at least two described species: Longicaudus cornutus and Longicaudus dunlopi. Species are recorded from Europe and North America.
Longicaudus trirhodus
Rose-Columbine Aphid
Longicaudus trirhodus, commonly known as the Rose-Columbine Aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It belongs to the genus Longicaudus, which is characterized by distinctive long caudal structures. The species has been documented in Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and the contiguous United States. As a member of the Macrosiphini tribe, it is likely associated with herbaceous host plants, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Longistigma
giant bark aphid
Longistigma is a genus of giant aphids in the family Aphididae, containing at least three described species. These are the largest aphids in North America, with Longistigma caryae (giant bark aphid) being particularly notable for its size. The genus was established by Wilson in 1909 based on the extremely long, slender stigma that extends around the end of the wing. Members of this genus feed on bark and are associated with trees including oak, hickory, walnut, and beech.
Longistigma caryae
Giant Bark Aphid
Longistigma caryae, commonly known as the giant bark aphid, is the largest aphid species native to the United States. First described in 1841 from pignut hickory in Massachusetts, this species was later placed in its own genus due to its distinctive extremely long, slender stigma that extends around the end of the wing. It feeds on the bark of hickory trees and has been documented across eastern and central North America.
Macrohomotoma gladiata
Curtain Fig Psyllid
Macrohomotoma gladiata is an invasive Asian psyllid that has established populations across the Mediterranean Basin and California, where it infests ornamental Ficus microcarpa. Nymphs feed on young tissues, producing dense white waxy secretions and honeydew that promotes sooty mould growth and causes twig dieback. The species has a likely bivoltine life cycle with possible partial third generation; young nymphs overwinter under stipules without development, resuming growth in spring. Natural enemies include a Psyllaephagus parasitoid that can achieve high parasitism rates, and the predatory bug Anthocoris nemoralis.
Macrosiphum clydesmithi
Macrosiphum clydesmithi is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Robinson in 1980. It belongs to the genus Macrosiphum, a large group of aphids commonly known as potato aphids or rose aphids. The species is listed as a synonym in some sources but accepted in others, indicating taxonomic uncertainty. No specific biological or ecological information has been documented for this species in the available literature.
Macrosiphum mentzeliae
blazingstar aphid
Macrosiphum mentzeliae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Wilson in 1915. The species is known by the common name 'blazingstar aphid', likely referencing an association with plants in the genus Mentzelia (blazingstars). It belongs to the large genus Macrosiphum, which contains numerous aphid species that feed on various host plants. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only a single observation documented on iNaturalist. The species is currently listed as a synonym in the Catalogue of Life, suggesting taxonomic uncertainty or consolidation with another taxon.
Macrosiphum olmsteadi
Northern Green Aster Aphid
Macrosiphum olmsteadi is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, described by Robinson in 1965. It is commonly known as the Northern Green Aster Aphid. Like other members of the genus Macrosiphum, it belongs to a group of aphids characterized by their relatively large size and long siphunculi. The species is placed in the tribe Macrosiphini, which includes many economically important aphid pests of agricultural crops.
Macrosiphum parvifolii
Waxy red-huckleberry aphid
Macrosiphum parvifolii is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Richards in 1967. The species has been assigned the common name "Waxy red-huckleberry aphid" on iNaturalist, though no observations of this species have been recorded on that platform. As a member of the genus Macrosiphum, it belongs to a group of aphids commonly known as "large aphids" or "macrosiphum aphids," many of which are associated with woody plants. The species name "parvifolii" (from Latin "parvus" small + "folium" leaf) suggests an association with small-leaved host plants.
Macrosiphum pseudocoryli
American Hophornbeam Aphid
Macrosiphum pseudocoryli is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, described by Patch in 1919. It is commonly known as the American Hophornbeam Aphid, indicating a likely association with hophornbeam (Ostrya species) as a host plant. The species belongs to the large genus Macrosiphum, which contains numerous aphid species associated with various woody and herbaceous plants.
Macrosiphum rudbeckiarum
Macrosiphum rudbeckiarum is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described by Cockerell in 1903. It belongs to the large genus Macrosiphum, which comprises numerous aphid species associated with diverse host plants. The specific epithet 'rudbeckiarum' indicates an association with Rudbeckia species, suggesting a host relationship with plants in this genus. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though detailed biological information appears limited in published literature.
Macrosiphum salviae
Black Sage Aphid
Macrosiphum salviae, commonly known as the Black Sage Aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae described by Bartholomew in 1932. The species belongs to the genus Macrosiphum, a diverse group of aphids that includes several economically important agricultural pests. The specific epithet 'salviae' suggests an association with plants in the genus Salvia (sage), indicating a likely host relationship with sage species. The species has been documented through 38 observations on iNaturalist.
Macrosiphum willamettense
Macrosiphum willamettense is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, described by Jensen in 2000. As a member of the genus Macrosiphum, it belongs to a group of aphids commonly known as 'large aphids' or 'macrosiphum aphids,' many of which are significant agricultural pests. The specific epithet 'willamettense' refers to the Willamette region, likely indicating its type locality in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, USA. Like other Macrosiphum species, it possesses the characteristic long siphunculi (cornicles) that distinguish this genus from many other aphid genera.
Macrosiphum zionense
Resplendent Lupin Aphid
Macrosiphum zionense is an aphid species described by Knowlton in 1935. It belongs to the genus Macrosiphum, a group of aphids commonly associated with leguminous and other host plants. The species is known by the common name Resplendent Lupin Aphid, suggesting an association with lupin plants (Lupinus). Like other members of its genus, it likely possesses the typical aphid characteristics of piercing-sucking mouthparts and complex life cycles involving both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction.
Margarodidae
ground pearls, cottony cushion scales, giant coccids, giant scale insects
Margarodidae, commonly known as ground pearls or cottony cushion scales, is a family of scale insects within the superfamily Coccoidea. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many former subfamilies (including Monophlebidae, Matsucoccidae, Xylococcidae, and others) now elevated to family status. The current Margarodidae sensu stricto is monophyletic and includes genera such as Margarodes, Porphyrophora, and Eurhizococcus. Members exhibit diverse life histories, with some species being subterranean root feeders and others above-ground foliar feeders. Several species are economically important as agricultural pests or historically as sources of natural dyes.