Small World Discoveries

HEMIPTERA > AUCHENORRHYNCHA > FULGOROMORPHA > Delphacidae and Issidae

With the Cixiidae (Lacehoppers) now separated on the previous page, this additional page is reserved for any of the remaining planthoppers that I manage to find which, apart from the Common Issid Bug, currently amounts to just two species. 

The large Delphacidae family comprises a varied group of 75 species of small and seldom studied bugs, collectively known as planthoppers. Generally, they don't hold much photographic interest, although there was one particular species that I wanted to see, which was the Ditropis pterids, commonly known as the Bracken Planthopper. I'm pleased that I was subsequently able to find a couple. It's a fairly common species that, as its name suggests, is primarily associated with bracken. Both sexes are predominantly black with a creamy-yellow head, pronotum and legs. The male is only 2mm or so long, but the female is both larger and broader with creamy-yellow rings between the abdomen segments, making it a rather distinctive little bug.

Javesella pellucida can be found in many grassland locations across the country and is generally regarded as one of the most common members of the family. They are a variable species with both light and dark colour forms, with the males typically much darker than the females. To complicate matters further they may be either macropterous (long- winged) or micropterous / brachypterous (short-winged). The latter more likely to be found in nutrient-poor areas. I believe that both of the individuals featured below are macropter females. They average no more than 3mm long, so are not that easy to photograph from my limited experience as they're constantly on the move.

The Issidae family includes just two species of planthopper that are characterised by their forewings having numerous crossveins. The Common Issid Bug, Issus coleoptratus is a relatively common species across certain areas of the south where it can typically be found in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. It is often seen on ivy and deciduous trees, particularly oaks. I'm not sure if I've ever seen this species when I've been out, but I usually find a few in the garden each year, which give me the opportunity to spend more time observing them and waiting for decent photo opportunities. The adults are rarely co-operative, but on the few occasions I've found a nymph, they're usually quite relaxed and happy to go about their business as long as I don't try to get too close.  

The other member of the family, Issus muscaeformis, is 'nationally scarce' and only known from a few specimens.

A further, very scarce, largely ground-dwelling species Tettigometra impressopunctata, commonly known as the Chalk Planthopper, which is restricted to a handful of chalk downland and calcareous dune locations in the south, is the sole British representative of Tettigometridae - a family characterised by hardened forewings which are covered with fine punctures.

New page added, Feb.25 (v.1)