Auchenorrhyncha

The suborder Auchenorrhyncha, within the order Hemiptera (that represent a group of insects known as True Bugs, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies), include insects that we commonly know as cicadas, leafhoppers, planthoppers and spittlebugs.

In Australia, the Auchenorrhyncha represents a diverse group that include numerous species of economic importance, particularly as pests or potential exotic incursions.

Some of the key characteristics of Auchenorrhyncha:

Cicadas: large insects with prominent eyes and membranous wings.
Leafhoppers: vary in size and color, and often found on vegetation.
Planthoppers: are distinguished by a spur on the hindlegs, often with camouflaged coloration and angled frons.
Spittlebugs: the nymphs produce a frothy spittle mass for protection.

Yellow-headed Leafhopper (Brunotartessus fulvus), Belair SA © Marianne Broug — Yellow-headed Leafhopper (*Brunotartessus fulvus*), Belair SA © Marianne Broug

Genus Rosopaella (subfamily Idiocerinae), Swan View WA © Jean & Fred Hort — Genus *Rosopaella* (subfamily *Idiocerinae*), Swan View WA © Jean & Fred Hort

Green Treehopper (Sextius virescens), Gold Coast QLD © Stefan Jones — Green Treehopper (*Sextius virescens*), Gold Coast QLD © Stefan Jones

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Informal: Pterygotes
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Informal: Pterygotes
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Superfamily: Membracoidea
Family: Cicadellidae
Subfamily: Tartessinae
Tribe: Tartessini
Genus: Brunotartessus
Species: Brunotartessus fulvus

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Informal: Pterygotes
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Superfamily: Membracoidea
Family: Cicadellidae
Subfamily: Eurymelinae
Tribe: Balocerini
Genus: Rosopaella

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Informal: Pterygotes
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Superfamily: Membracoidea
Family: Membracidae
Subfamily: Centrotinae
Tribe: Terentiini
Genus: Sextius
Species: Sextius virescens

Footnote & References

HemipteraHemiptera Index Auchenorrhyncha Cicadellidae Cicadoidea Fulgoromorpha (Planthoppers) Heteroptera (True Bugs) Membracoidea (Leafhoppers and Treehoppers)

InsectsInsects Life Cycle… Bees Beetles Blattodea Butterflies Coleoptera Cicada Crabronidae Diptera Dragonflies & Damselflies Formicidae Hemiptera Heteroptera Mantodea Moths Neuroptera Orthoptera Orthopteroid Processionary Caterpillar Stink Bugs, Shield Bugs and Allies Wasps Water Scorpion (Laccotrephes tristis) Witchetty Grub