Guide to Families

Identification of the main families of Leafhopper & Planthopper, many if which contain vector species.

Planthopper Families ( * Indicates Known Vectors)

Family

Example Images

*Delphacidae

Hind tibia with movable spur. The spur is large, distinctly larger than the teeth that are also at the end of the tibiae. Delphacids are mostly small insects, usually between 2-4 mm (but range 1.5 - ~7mm). The wings are membranous or somewhat thickened (especially when brachypterous), and held tent like; the wings may be clear or patterned. Among the planthoppers, the family Delphacidae is most easily recognized by examining the hind legs.

Fulgoridae

Second segment of hind tarsi with row of apical spines. Apical and hind areas of hindwings with many cross veins.

Achilidae

Second segment of hind tarsi with row of apical spines. Forewings with apices overlapping when at rest.

Meenoplidae

Second segment of hind tarsi with row of apical spines. One or both claval veins tuberculate; apical segment of rostrum longer than wide.

*Derbidae

Second segment of hind tarsi with row of apical spines. Apical segment of rostrum very short and globular, usually as wide as long.

Dictyopharidae

Second segment of hind tarsi with row of apical spines. Cephalic projection present but if not present then face with 2 or 3 median carinae .

*Cixiidae

Second segment of hind tarsi with row of apical spines. Forewing with veins usually bearing setae in tubercles. Ovipositor often long and sword shaped.

Kinnariidae

Second segment of hind tarsi with row of apical spines. Forewing with veins not tuberculate and lacking setae. External genitalia reduced in female.

Tettigometridae

Compound eyes not separated from frons by strong lateral carinae, lateral ocelli visible in frontal view

Tropiduchidae

Second hind tarsal segment with a spine at each side. Mesonotum usually with posterior angle separated by transverse suture

*Flatidae

Second hind tarsal segment with a spine at each side. Clavus with many prominent tubercles, fore wings usually opaque

Nogodinidae

Second hind tarsal segment with a spine at each side. Fore wing and hind wing well developed. Anterior margin of pronotum exceeding level of middle of eye, clypeus usually carinate. Gonoplacs flattened laterally, elongate. Anterior connective lamina of gonapophyse VIII narrow and long. Style without lateral tooth.

Issidae

Second hind tarsal segment with a spine at each side. Fore wing brachypterous and hind wing may be absent or reduced in size. Gonoplacs convex, rounded. Anterior connective lamina of gonapophyse VIII wide. Style with lateral tooth.

Ricaniidae

Second hind tarsal segment often small and without spines. Claval suture extending almost to apex of fore wing; fore wing often with apical margin as broad or

Lophopidae

Second hind tarsal segment often small and without spines. Claval suture not extending to apex of fore wing, fore wing with apical margin shorter than anal margin Vertex, narrow, width less than 3 times length at midline. Clypeus with lateral carinae, frons usually longer than wide.

Eurybrachidae

Second hind tarsal segment often small and without spines. Claval suture not extending to apex of fore wing, fore wing with apical margin shorter than anal margin Vertex wide, three times wider in mid line than length. Clypeus without lateral carinae, frons wider than long