Citrus Flatid Planthopper

Citrus flatid planthopper on twig
Scientific Name
Metcalfa pruinosa
Family
Flatidae (flatid planthoppers) in superfamily Fulgoroidea (planthoppers) in order Hemiptera (true bugs)
Description

The citrus flatid planthopper has a waxy coating and can look gray or tan. There are 2 or more dark spots near the base of the wing.

Although it is named for feeding on plants in the citrus family, it eats a wide variety of plants. It seldom causes injury to healthy plants in its native habitats in North America. In southern Europe where it has been introduced, it feeds destructively in orchards and vineyards.

Nymphs are covered with white, waxy filaments that make them look fuzzy.

It is in the planthopper family Flatidae (the flatid planthoppers), which is one of 13 planthopper families in North America north of Mexico. Learn more about the citrus flatid planthopper and other planthoppers in their group entry.

Media Gallery
Citrus flatid planthopper on twig
The citrus flatid planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa) has a waxy coating and can look gray or tan. It eats a wide variety of plants.
Donna Brunet
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Citrus flatid planthopper on twig
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About Land Invertebrates in Missouri
Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and arthropods. Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. There may be as many as 10 million species of insects alive on earth today, and they probably constitute more than 90 percent all animal species.