Metcalfa pruinosa, the citrus flatid planthopper, is a species of insect in the Flatidae family of planthoppers first described by Thomas Say in 1830.

The species is native to North America (Nearctic realm), but it is today found throughout southern Europe (Austria, France, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Moldova), in the Neotropical realm and in South Korea.

Distribution

Adults of Metcalfa pruinosa can reach a length of 5.5–8 millimetres (7⁄32–5⁄16 in) and a width of 2–3 millimetres (5⁄64–1⁄8 in) at the widest point. They are initially whitish. The color of adults may vary from brown to gray, in connection with the presence of a bluish white epicuticular wax, covering especially the nymphs. The large and prominent compound eyes are yellow. The mouthparts are adapted for piercing and sucking. The trapezoidal forewings are held vertically, wrapping the body when the insect is at rest. The front wings have veined costal cell and several characteristic whitish spots. The hind tibiae usually have two lateral spines in addition to the other spines at the apex.Nymphs may reach a length of about 3.2 millimetres (1⁄8 in). Color varies from whitish to light green, with relative large tufts of white wax on the abdomen.

Description

The species is univoltine, producing one generation per year. Adults mate in fall during the night. The females lay about 100 eggs, usually in the bark of host plants. Eggs overwinter, hatching the following spring. The adults are seen mainly in summer and fall, when they feed gregariously on sap. When they feed on sap, they eject excess sugar in the form of honeydew. This attracts bees, which convert it to honey. As it feeds, it causes serious damages to field crops and ornamental plants. It is polyphagous, feeding on a variety of plant taxa. Host plants include maples, dogwoods, hawthorns, willows, elms, privet, black locust, and elder. It lives on crop plants such as grape, citrus, apricot, peach, blackberry, and raspberry.

Behavior and ecological impact

harmful

Metcalfa pruinosa, commonly known as the citrus flatid planthopper, is considered a tree pest because it feeds on the sap of various tree species, causing damage to the foliage and weakening the overall health of the trees.

tree pest

Metcalfa pruinosa can be considered garden pests because they have a wide range of host plants, including ornamental plants commonly found in gardens, and their feeding activity can cause damage to the foliage, reducing the aesthetic appeal and overall health of the plants.

garden pest

Metcalfa pruinosa can be considered crop pests because they have been known to feed on a variety of agricultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, and field crops, causing damage to the plants and potentially reducing crop yields.

crop pest

Metcalfa pruinosa is considered a pest because it feeds on the sap of various tree species, causing damage to the foliage and weakening the overall health of the trees. Additionally, they can also feed on a wide range of host plants, including ornamental plants commonly found in gardens, and agricultural crops, causing damage and potentially reducing crop yields.

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