CICADELLIDAE

Leafhoppers

These small jumping insects are best described as being torpedo-shaped although the come in a wide variety of body shapes. Many are have elongated bodies and rounded heads while others are more squarish in appearance and when viewed from above have a distinctive wedge shape. Most also have 1-2 rows of fine hair-like spines along the tibia of the hind leg. Most are sap feeders of fresh plant growth and may be attended by ants that feed off the honeydew they excrete.

Leafhoppers can be found in large numbers and will often fly away when disturbed. Sometimes when disturbed they will prefer to move behind leaf stems to hide from what ever is disturbing them or quickly hop from one stem to another.

For more leafhopper species visit the Australian Insect Common Names