Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Formerly considered a subfamily (Caliscelinae) of Issidae.
Explanation of Names
Caliscelidae Amyot & Serville 1843
Numbers
53 spp. in 8 genera in our area, ~200 spp. in ~64 genera worldwide
(1)(2)Identification
Small, cylindrical planthoppers that are brachypterous (rarely macropterous), with the wings much shorter than the abdomen. Caliscelids have a single lateral spine on the hind tibia, while issids and Gaetuliine tropiduchids typically have more.
Range
Worldwide (Holzinger 2007); in our area, mostly c. & sw. US
(1)Food
Most species feed on grasses
Life Cycle
Development from egg to adult averaged 68 days in a laboratory study
Remarks
Planthoppers in the genus Osbornia (Tropiduchidae: Gaetuliini) are superficially similar, as the only North American planthopper taxon that also may have wings much shorter than the abdomen. Thus, Osbornia is often included in caliscelid keys.
Print References
Holzinger W.E. (2007) Redescriptions of
Ordalonema faciepilosa, Peltonotellus melichari and
P. raniformis, with a key to Western Palaearctic genera of Caliscelidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha). Eur. J. Entomol. 104: 277–283 (
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