Superfamily Fulgoroidea - Planthoppers

Classification · Explanation of Names · Identification · Internet References

Hopper adult on ?muscadine grape - Ormenoides venusta

Citrus Flatid Planthopper - Metcalfa pruinosa

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)

Suborder Auchenorrhyncha (Free-living Hemipterans)

Superfamily Fulgoroidea (Planthoppers)

Explanation of Names

Named for the neotropical genus Fulgora, so-called "Lantern-flies". That name is apparently from Fulgora, the Roman goddess, or personification, of lightning (Internet searches).

Identification

Plant-feeding bugs that can be distinguished from related groups by:

antennae inserted on the side of the "cheeks" below the eyes

antennae with three segments, the basal two thickened and round or egg-shaped, the second segment (pedicel) bearing a fine filamentous arista, the third segment

forewing with bifurcate ("Y"-shaped) anal vein

Internet References

Wikipedia--Planthopper

Brisbane Insects--good description of families

Contributed by Richard Leung on 11 March, 2005 - 6:30pm
Additional contributions by cotinis
Last updated 15 September, 2008 - 6:12pm

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2009 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version