Planthopper
Planthoppers are plant-feeding insects known for hopping and wax production.
Planthoppers are insects in the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, within the suborder Auchenorrhyncha, comprising over 12,500 described species worldwide. They are named for their resemblance to leaves and other plants and their ability to hop quickly like grasshoppers, though they generally walk slowly. Distributed worldwide, all planthoppers are plant-feeders, and a few are considered pests. They are distinguished from other Auchenorrhyncha by a Y-shaped anal vein in the forewing and thickened, three-segmented antennae with a round or egg-shaped second segment bearing a fine filamentous arista.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Fulgoromorpha
Facts from the source article.
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 planthoppers produce wax from special glands on the abdominal terga and other body parts; this wax is hydrophobic and helps conceal the insects. Adult females of many families also produce wax, which may be used to protect eggs.
Planthopper nymphs possess a biological gear mechanism at the base of the hind legs, which keeps the legs in synchrony when jumping. These gears, not present in adults, were first discovered and described in 2013. Both adults and nymphs feed by sucking sap from plants; nymphs produce copious honeydew, on which sooty mould often grows.
Planthoppers are often vectors for plant diseases, especially phytoplasmas that live in the phloem and can be transmitted when feeding.
Reader's Guide
Planthoppers are significant as a large and diverse group of plant-feeding insects with over 12,500 described species worldwide. Their ecological role includes serving as vectors for plant diseases, particularly phytoplasmas, which can cause serious agricultural damage. For example, Haplaxius crudus is a vector for lethal yellowing, a palm disease that nearly killed off the Jamaican Tall coconut variety. Another notable species is the spotted lanternfly, native to parts of China and Vietnam, which has spread invasively in South Korea, Japan, and the United States. The discovery of a biological gear mechanism in nymphs highlights their unique evolutionary adaptations. Fossils such as Emiliana from the Eocene provide insight into their ancient history. Their ability to produce wax and honeydew affects plant health and ecosystems. While most planthoppers are not pests, a few have significant economic impact, making them important subjects for entomological study and pest management.
Did You Know?
- Planthopper nymphs possess a biological gear mechanism at the base of the hind legs that keeps legs in synchrony when jumping; these gears are not present in adults.
- The name 'planthopper' comes from their resemblance to leaves and other plants and their hopping ability similar to grasshoppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are planthoppers?
Planthoppers are a group of plant-feeding insects within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha (suborder Auchenorrhyncha), recognized for their leaf-like appearance and their capacity to leap rapidly despite usually moving at a slow, walking pace.
How can I tell a planthopper apart from other Auchenorrhyncha?
The key diagnostic traits are a Y-shaped anal vein running through the forewing and thickened, three-segmented antennae whose second segment is round or egg-shaped and carries a fine, thread-like arista.
How many planthopper species are known, and where do they live?
Entomologists have described more than 12,500 species to date, and they are found on every continent, making them a truly cosmopolitan group of insects.
Why do gardeners and agronomists care about planthoppers?
Although most are harmless, a handful of species act as agricultural pests and can transmit plant diseases, which is why they are monitored in crop and horticultural settings.
What is the famous 'biological gear' found in planthopper nymphs?
Nymphs of certain planthopper species possess a pair of interlocking, toothed structures that function as a natural gear, a mechanism that has fascinated both entomologists and engineers studying biomimicry.
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