Planthoppers- Superfamily FULGOROIDEA

Order Hemiptera

This page contains pictures and information about Planthoppers (Superfamily FULGOROIDEA) that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.

Planthopper nymph

The Superfamily FULGOROIDEA contains large number of very diverse forms. All of them are strong jumpers, and are generally known as Planthoppers. Their antennae situated beneath eyes. Wax plates common in females for producing wax to cover eggs. The nymphs usually have two long tails. Nymph and adult feed by sucking the sap of the host tree.

Classification :


Superfamily FULGOROIDEA

Cixiid Planthoppers - family Cixiidae
Cixiid  Planthopper generally are brown or black with wings that are transparent with brown veins. Their nymphs are primarily root-feeders, some found in ants nest.
 
Family Fulgoridae - Lantern flies
The Australian species in this family are medium in size and usually brightly coloured. They feed through bark on trees and woody shrubs. We only found one species in this family, which was dull brown in colour.
 
Family Flatidae - Flatid Planthoppers
Members in this family usually have the triangular and broad fore wings. They look like green triangular plant spines when they rest on the tree trunk. Their broad triangular forewings held roof-like over their body make them usually easily recognized. 
 
Family Eurybrachyidae - Eurybrachyid Planthoppers
Members in this family are medium in size with broad body. They have mottled forewings and coloured abdomen, usually brown, red, yellow or orange in colour.
 
 
Family Ricaniidae -Ricaniid Planthoppers
This family contains the Passionvine Hopper. They are common in Brisbane bush. When disturbed, they jump away with a loud 'click' sound and disappeared in the air.
 

Reference and links:
1. Insects of Australia, CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Melbourne University Press, 2nd Edition 1991, pp 474.
2. Insects of Australia and New Zealand - R. J. Tillyard, Angus & Robertson, Ltd, Sydney, 1926, p165. 
3. Identification Keys and Checklists for the leafhoppers, planthoppers and their relatives occurring in Australia and New Zealand (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha).  Fletcher, M.J. and Larivière, M.-C. (2001 and updates).

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Cixiidae ] Fulgoridae ] Flatidae ] Eurybrachyidae ] Ricaniidae ] Other Hoppers ]


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Last updated: September 10, 2006.