Subterranean-nymphs
Guides
Cixiidae
cixiid planthoppers
A family of small fulgoroid planthoppers comprising over 2,000 species in more than 150 genera worldwide. Adults are typically less than one centimeter in length and often inconspicuous. Nymphs develop underground feeding on roots, while adults feed on herbs, shrubs, and trees. Several species are economically significant as vectors of phytoplasma diseases affecting coconut palms, grapevines, sugar beets, and lilies.
Melanoliarus caldwelli
Melanoliarus caldwelli is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Mead and Kramer in 1982. Members of this genus are small, cryptically colored insects associated with plant roots. The species is native to the southeastern United States. Like other cixiids, adults are capable of jumping and weak flight.