Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Family
FLATIDAE
(planthoppers)
LIFE HISTORY
This pest has one generation per year and overwinters in
the egg stage, the eggs being deposited in the woody
parts of host plants. The eggs hatch in May; nymphs
then feed gregariously on the leaves and shoot tips,
amongst masses of mealy wax. The nymphs appear
somewhat sedentary, but readily crawl or jump away if
disturbed. Adults occur from July to October.
Bugs with wings longer than the body and held almost
vertically at the sides of the body when in repose; fore
wings (elytra) hardened, with a dense network of veins
that includes numerous cross-veins.
Metcalfa pruinosa
(Say) (
17-18
)
Citrus planthopper
This highly polyphagous North American species first
appeared in Europe in the late 1970s. It is now firmly
established in southern France, central and northern
Italy, and has also been reported elsewhere - e.g. in
Switzerland. Infestations occur on a wide range of
woody plants, including ornamental nursery stock,
roadside hedges and so forth. Nursery plants being
raised on sites adjacent to infested wasteland are
particularly liable to be attacked.
DAMAGE
Heavy infestations cause noticeable discoloration and
death of foliage, as well as distortion of the tips of
young shoots. In addition, plants are contaminated by
wax and by honeydew upon which sooty moulds
develop.
DESCRIPTION
Adult:
5-8 mm long; body mainly grey; fore wings
(elytra) whitish grey to dark grey, marked with black.
Nymph:
whitish to light green, developing distinct
wing buds and with conspicuous tufts of white wax at
the hind end of the abdomen.
17
18
17
Citrus planthopper (
Metcalfa pruinosa
).
18
Nymph of citrus planthopper (
Metcalfa pruinosa
).
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