Citrus Flatid Planthopper

metcalfa pruinosa

The Citrus Flatid Planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa) is a fascinating insect native to North America that has successfully colonized parts of Europe and Asia. Known for its moth-like appearance, this tiny sap-sucking bug is often noticed due to the white, fluffy, waxy secretions left behind by its nymphs. While they feed on a vast array of host plants, including citrus fruits, grapes, and various ornamental trees, they are particularly famous in the apiculture world. In areas where they have been introduced, honeybees eagerly harvest the sweet honeydew excreted by these planthoppers, producing a unique and highly valued dark honey. Despite their potential to become agricultural pests in high densities, they are a marvel of micro-fauna, demonstrating complex relationships with both plants and other insects.

Habitat: Found in a wide range of terrestrial habitats, including deciduous forests, agricultural orchards, vineyards, and suburban gardens with abundant woody host plants.

Appearance

Adult Citrus Flatid Planthoppers are about 5 to 8 mm in length and hold their broad, wedge-shaped wings vertically over their bodies in a tent-like fashion, making them look like small moths. They are typically bluish-gray to purplish-brown in color, covered with a fine, powdery white wax that gives them a frosted appearance. Their eyes are prominent and often have a striking orange or yellow hue. In contrast, the flightless nymphs are easily identified by the long, dramatic tufts of white, cottony wax filaments trailing from their abdomens, which they use for camouflage and protection.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyFlatidaeGenusMetcalfa

Citrus Flatid Planthopper

Interesting facts

European beekeepers value this species because honey bees harvest its honeydew to create a prized, dark-colored 'Metcalfa honey' with a unique malty flavor.

In Europe, where it was accidentally introduced in the late 1970s, it has rapidly spread to over 20 countries, feeding on more than 300 different plant species.

The white, cottony fluff secreted by the nymphs is actually a hydrophobic wax that prevents them from drowning in their own sticky honeydew.

Special abilities

Nymphs secrete a white, hydrophobic wax that covers their bodies, protecting them from desiccation, fungal infections, and potential predators.

Using powerful hind legs, both nymphs and adults can launch themselves rapidly into the air to escape immediate threats.

They process vast quantities of plant sap, excreting a sugary honeydew that fosters ecological interactions with ants and honeybees.

Measurements & details

Length: 0+ cm
Wingspan: 1+ cm
Weight: 0.00001+ kg
Lifespan: 0+ years
Clutch Size: 50+
Incubation: 180+ days

Diet & Feeding

Feeds exclusively on the phloem sap of a wide variety of woody and herbaceous plants, extracting nutrients while excreting excess sugars.

Primary Foods

Citrus plant sap
Grapevine sap
Maple tree sap
Fig tree sap
Privet sap

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Dryinid Wasp

Neodryinus typhlocybae

The parasitoid wasp Neodryinus typhlocybae lays its eggs in the planthopper nymphs, acting as a key biological control agent.

host plant

Common Grapevine

Vitis vinifera

Serves as a major host plant where Metcalfa pruinosa feeds on sap and can cause minor agricultural damage.

mutualism

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Honey bees collect the sugary honeydew excreted by the planthoppers to produce a dark, mineral-rich forest honey.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Citrus Flatid Planthopper?

The easiest way to identify Citrus Flatid Planthopper is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Citrus Flatid Planthopper?

0+ cm

What is Citrus Flatid Planthopper's wingspan?

1+ cm

How much does Citrus Flatid Planthopper weigh?

0.00001+ kg

How long does Citrus Flatid Planthopper live?

0+ years

What does Citrus Flatid Planthopper eat?

Feeds exclusively on the phloem sap of a wide variety of woody and herbaceous plants, extracting nutrients while excreting excess sugars.

Where is Citrus Flatid Planthopper usually found?

Found in a wide range of terrestrial habitats, including deciduous forests, agricultural orchards, vineyards, and suburban gardens with abundant woody host plants.

How does Citrus Flatid Planthopper hunt?

Foraging