Meenoplidae
Meenoplidae is a family of small fulgoroid planthoppers related to Kinnaridae. They are usually under 1 cm long, with tent-like wings, and are found mainly in the Old World. There are about 100 species in around 25 genera.
Key features
- Claval veins in the wings often have sensory pits along their length, giving a granular look.
- Face is broad and the lateral carinae (keeled edges) are strongly raised.
- The last segment of the labium is elongated.
- A median ocellus is usually present.
- Adults have wings with few veins and few cross veins.
Subfamilies
- Meenoplinae
- Kermesiinae (also listed as Nisiinae in some classifications)
Other notes
- About 50 African species are known.
- Together with Achilixiidae and Kinnaridae, they have flattened star-shaped plate organs on their antennae.
- Nymphs live close to the soil; adults feed mainly on monocots.
- Species identification is usually based on examining the male genitalia.
- Some cave-dwelling species include Phaconeura pluto, Meenoplus cancavus, Tsingya clarkei, and Suva oloimoa.
Subfamily differences
- Meenoplinae: claval veins fuse near the middle; the first vein has a row of sensory pits, while the second is strongly curved with irregularly arranged pits.
- Kermesiinae: claval veins fuse near the apex; the first claval vein has two rows of sensory pits, and the second is only slightly curved and lacks pits.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 10:03 (CET).