Planthopper

Lore & Background

Planthoppers are laterally flattened and hold their broad wings vertically in a tent-like fashion, concealing the sides of the body and part of the legs. Nymphs of many species produce hydrophobic wax from special glands on the abdominal terga and other body parts, which helps conceal them. Adult females of many families also produce wax, possibly to protect eggs. Planthopper nymphs possess a biological gear mechanism at the base of the hind legs that keeps the legs in synchrony when jumping; these gears are not present in adults. Both adults and nymphs feed by sucking sap from plants, and nymphs produce copious honeydew on which sooty mould often grows. Planthoppers are often vectors for plant diseases, especially phytoplasmas that live in phloem and can be transmitted during feeding. A number of extinct planthopper taxa are known from the fossil record, such as the Lutetian-age Emiliana from the Green River Formation in Colorado. The infraorder contains two superfamilies: Fulgoroidea and Delphacoidea. Some authors use the name Archaeorrhyncha as a replacement for Fulgoromorpha.

Reader's Guide

Planthoppers are significant as both ecological components and agricultural pests. As plant-feeders, they play roles in nutrient cycling and food webs, but a few species cause economic damage. One pest species is Haplaxius crudus, a vector for lethal yellowing, a palm disease that nearly killed off the Jamaican Tall coconut variety. Another is the spotted lanternfly, native to parts of China and Vietnam, which has spread invasively in South Korea, Japan, and the United States. Their ability to transmit phytoplasmas makes them important vectors of plant diseases. The discovery of biological gears in nymph hind legs highlights their unique biomechanical adaptations. Fossil planthoppers, such as those from the Eocene Green River Formation, provide insights into evolutionary history. The classification includes two superfamilies and numerous extinct families, reflecting a long and diverse evolutionary lineage. Understanding planthopper biology aids in managing pest species and preserving plant health.

Did You Know?

• Planthopper nymphs have a biological gear mechanism at the base of the hind legs that keeps legs in synchrony when jumping; adults lack these gears.
• The name 'planthopper' comes from their resemblance to leaves and plants and their hopping movement similar to grasshoppers.
• One pest species, Haplaxius crudus, is a vector for lethal yellowing, a palm disease that nearly killed off the Jamaican Tall coconut variety.
• The spotted lanternfly, a planthopper native to parts of China and Vietnam, has spread invasively in South Korea, Japan, and the United States.