Planthopper (likely a nymph)
Scientific Name: Too indistinct to determine exact species, but possibly within the superfamily Fulgoroidea.
Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Fulgoridae (or another family within Fulgoroidea)
Size: Nymphs can range from 1-10 mm, depending on their developmental stage and species. Adults typically range from a few millimeters to several centimeters, with some tropical species being quite large.
Natural Habitat
They are found in a wide variety of terrestrial habitats where their host plants grow, including gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and grasslands.
Diet & Feeding
Planthoppers feed on plant sap by piercing plant tissues with their specialized mouthparts (stylets).
Behavior Patterns
Planthoppers are known for their jumping ability, often leaping quickly to escape predators. They typically move slowly otherwise, feeding on plant sap. Many species are camouflaged to blend in with their host plants. Depending on the species, they may overwinter as eggs or nymphs.
Risks & Benefits
Planthoppers can be agricultural pests as their feeding can damage crops, reduce yields, and transmit plant diseases (e.g., viruses, phytoplasmas). However, they are also part of natural food webs, serving as a food source for various predators and parasites.
Identified on: 8/31/2025