Siphanta is a genus of planthoppers in the family Flatidae.

Siphanta
Siphanta acuta
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Fulgoromorpha
Family: Flatidae
Tribe: Flatini
Genus: Siphanta
(Stal, 1860)[1]
Species

See text

Synonyms
  • Lombokia (Distant, 1910)
  • Parasalurnis (Distant, 1910)
  • Phalainesthes (Kirkaldy, 1899)
  • Siphantoides (Distant, 1910)

Description edit

In adults of Siphanta, the frons is slightly convex to flat, has a median longitudinal carina and either lacks lateral carinae or these are very short. The vertex meets the frons at a carinate margin. The pronotum is flat medially and has lateral carinae that curve posterolaterally and do not reach the posterior margin. The posterior margin of the pronotum is broadly concave. The mesonotum is also flat medially (occasionally with a faint median carina) and has two lateral carinae. The forewing (tegmen) is triangular, lacks apical lines and has a sutural angle that ranges from obtusely rounded to slightly acute. The tibia of the hind leg bears one spine.[2]

Diet edit

Like other planthoppers, Siphanta are herbivores. Siphanta acuta is polyphagous, meaning it feeds on a wide range of plants. It is a pest of banana, citrus, coffee, guava, macadamia and various ornamental plants. Siphanta gregaria feeds on Cordia cylindrostachya.[3]

Distribution edit

Most species in this genus occur in Australia, with the exception of S. expatria from New Guinea. Siphanta acuta and S. patruelis have been introduced to other countries.[2]

Species edit

References edit

  1. ^ Stål. 1860. Bidrag till Rio Janeiro-traktens Hemipter-fauna. Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps-Akademiens Handlingar. 2(7):1–84
  2. ^ a b "Australian Faunal Directory". biodiversity.org.au. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  3. ^ "Genus Siphanta Stål, 1862 | Planthoppers of North America". Retrieved 2023-02-10.