Homoptera

What Does Homoptera Mean?

Homoptera refers to an order of insects that is characterized by its dual pair of wings and sucking mouthparts. They tend to have an extensive host list, with some insects such as the potato leafhopper boasting more than a hundred host plants. Homoptera insects can occasionally transmit pathogens and plant viruses.

Maximum Yield Explains Homoptera

Examples of Homoptera include cicadas, leafhoppers, scales, and aphids.

Homoptera insects can be found in most gardens and tend to feed on plant sap. Lawns or gardens with ponds are quite often infested with different types of Homoptera insects such as pond skaters, water scorpions, and water boatmen.

Homopterans tend to be harmful to various types of plants such as grain crops and fruit trees. It is highly advisable to exterminate them as quickly as possible because these insects can additionally be vectors for different types of plant diseases. However, a small category of Homopterans can be beneficial to plants and encourage pollination.

Biologists define two main groups of Homoptera:

• Sternorrhyncha - Consists of mealybugs, whiteflies, scales, coccids, plant lice, phylloxerans, and aphids, among others.
• Auchenorrhyncha - Consists of fulgorids, planthoppers, leafhoppers, spittlebugs, froghoppers, treehoppers, and cicadas.