Cicadellidae

The Cicadellidae are a large family of insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as leafhoppers. This family is one of the largest within Hemiptera, comprising more than 20,000 species grouped into numerous subfamilies and tribes. Cicadellidae are found in a variety of habitats throughout the world, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields.

Description

Cicadellidae are small, ranging in size from 3 to 15 mm. They are typically characterized by their wedge-shaped bodies and strong hind legs adapted for jumping. The coloration of leafhoppers can be quite variable, often vivid, which helps in camouflage and deterrence of predators.

Biology

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Cicadellidae includes egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females typically lay eggs on the underside of leaves or in plant tissue. Nymphs undergo several molts before reaching adulthood, during which they resemble smaller versions of the adults but lack fully developed wings.

Diet

Cicadellidae are primarily herbivores, feeding on the sap of a wide range of plants. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant sap from the phloem. This feeding behavior can cause significant damage to host plants, including yellowing or curling of leaves and reduced growth.

Ecology

Leafhoppers are important vectors of plant pathogens, particularly viruses and phytoplasmas, which can lead to serious plant diseases. Their ability to rapidly transmit disease across a wide area makes them significant pests in agricultural and horticultural systems.

Systematics

The family Cicadellidae is divided into a number of subfamilies and tribes, with the classification still subject to ongoing research and revision. Some of the notable subfamilies include:

• Typhlocybinae
• Cicadellinae
• Deltocephalinae

Economic Importance

Due to their role as pests and vectors of disease, Cicadellidae have a significant impact on agriculture. They affect a wide range of crops including cereals, fruits, and ornamental plants. Management of leafhopper populations and the diseases they spread is crucial in many agricultural systems.

Conservation

While many species of Cicadellidae are considered pests, they also play important roles in their ecosystems, particularly as prey for a variety of predators and as pollinators. Conservation efforts are necessary to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.

See also

• Insect
• Hemiptera
• Pest