Leaf-like Planthoppers
What are they?
The true bugs on this page are remarkably well adapted to their environment and have evolved to resemble small leaves. Though they all look very similar, this group involves insects in two families - the Acanaloniidae and the Flatidae, with the latter group often known as Flatids. These insects may be found singly or in small groups, often arranged in short lines, feeding head down on the sap from young plant stems.
Identification
Critical details of precise wing shape, head shape and wing markings (including details of venation) can be important in identifying this group to species.
Acanalonia conica
A common species with a distinctive, pointed head. Feeds on a wide range of plant species.
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Northern Flatid Flatormenis proxima
This is a rather distinctive species in Eastern North America, where it is the only member of the genus Flatormenis. Further west, it can be a difficult group. The double row of marginal cells at the tip of the wing identifies this species from members of other genera. At all ages, the bugs are covered in a mealy white coating.
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