# 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.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 3
- **Habitat:** Found in a wide range of terrestrial habitats, including deciduous forests, agricultural orchards, vineyards, and suburban gardens with abundant woody host plants.

![Citrus Flatid Planthopper](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/10965595/medium.jpg)

Photo: Antonia Bookbinder, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/10965595)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hemiptera
- **Family:** Flatidae
- **Genus:** Metcalfa

## 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

- **Waxy Shield:** Nymphs secrete a white, hydrophobic wax that covers their bodies, protecting them from desiccation, fungal infections, and potential predators.
- **Prodigious Leapers:** Using powerful hind legs, both nymphs and adults can launch themselves rapidly into the air to escape immediate threats.
- **Honeydew Generation:** 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.

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Citrus Flatid Planthopper?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## Where to spot

- [Brunswick Old Town Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brunswick-old-town-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District
- [Garland Hill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/garland-hill-historic-district) — Virginia, US · Historic District
- [Nemours Mansion and Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/nemours-mansion-and-gardens) — Delaware, US · Botanical Garden
- [St. Joseph's on the Brandywine](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/st-josephs-on-the-brandywine) — Delaware, US · Historic District

[View all places to see Citrus Flatid Planthopper](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/citrus-flatid-planthopper)

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Citrus Flatid Planthopper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/citrus-flatid-planthopper)