Flatid Planthopper (Nymph)
Scientific Name: Family Flatidae (Genera such as Ormenoides or Metcalfa)
Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Flatidae
Size: 3 mm to 8 mm (approx. 1/8 to 1/3 inch) as nymphs.
Natural Habitat
Gardens, orchards, forests, and suburban landscapes on the stems and undersides of leaves of various plants and trees.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant phloem (sap) from a wide variety of host plants.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs are often covered in white, waxy filaments for protection from predators and dehydration. They are known for their ability to 'hop' or jump long distances relative to their size when disturbed.
Risks & Benefits
They are generally harmless to humans. While they can be minor garden pests by causing 'honeydew' buildup or aesthetic damage with their wax, they are a food source for birds and predatory insects and rarely cause significant plant mortality.
Identified on: 4/13/2026