Sluggin' Along: Citrus Flatid Planthopper

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Citrus Flatid Planthopper

Also called the Floury Mothbug, the Citrus Flatid Planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa) is a member of the family Flatidae, superfamily Fulgoroidea (Planthoppers). Planthoppers can be distinguished by:

antennae inserted on the side of the "cheeks" below the eyes
antennae with three segments, the basal two thickened and round or egg-shaped, the second segment (pedicel) bearing a fine filamentous arista, the third segment
forewing with bifurcate ("Y"-shaped) anal vein

Although M. pruinosa gets its common name from the fact that it is often seen on Citrus, it does not actually do much damage to commercial crops, as there are enough natural predators to keep the populations in check. Adults specimens will be grey to brown depending on how much floury coating is present. Two dark spots (and often more) near the base of the wing are characteristic.

I found this adult on an azalea branch, along which you can see the floury "residue."