Northern Flatid & Two-striped Planthoppers
Recently I observed two Planthoppers in a local woods. I mistakenly thought they were the same species and just different sexes or different growth stages. On further study, they were found to be not only different species but also species in different families.
Northern Flatid Planthopper Flatormenis proximais
The first one is in the Flatidae family and is a Northern Flatid Planthopper (Flatormenis proximais). It has a greenish tint under its waxy secretions. It is 1 cm (3/8 inches) long and feeds on a large number of plant species. This one was on Goldenrod. The Citrus Planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa) is similar but with a grayish-blue to purple tint and a bright yellow or orange eye.
Two-striped Planthopper Acanalonia bivittata
The other species was in a different family, the Acanaloniidae. It is a Two-striped Planthopper (Acanalonia bivittata). This species hides by mimicking a leaf. It is also 1 cm (3/8 inches) long. Although it feeds on plant juices this species occurs in small numbers so it is not considered an insect pest.
Candy-striped Leafhopper Graphocephala complex
The Harlequin or Candy-striped Leafhopper, in the genus Graphocephala, is a colorful little leafhopper. The species in this genus are difficult to tell apart, requiring accurate measurements and the correct determination of their sex. I am content knowing only an insect’s genus, especially when collecting and dissecting it is required for identification. I think this is part of the G. coccinea complex. The family is Cicadellidae and its members have a row of spines along the leg (the tibia to be exact, which is the second segment from the unattached end of the leg). This group also has short antennae located between their eyes.
Candy-striped Leafhopper closeup Graphocephala closeup
The Planthoppers and Leafhoppers are fun to find. Many more species occur in Michigan, some are drab and others are colorful. The casual observer normally does not discover them. I had not noticed the planthoppers before; however, after seeing one I have now found them other places. Get out and look for them. Late summer and early autumn is the time to find them right after the nymphs have metamorphosed.
Copyright 2013 by Donald Drife
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Can you help me identify my leafhopper photos
I’m not very knowable on leafhopper identification. You can send me the photos but you would be better off submitting them to Bugguide.net. This is where I send my insect questions.