Auchenorrhynchan

Auchenorrhyncha is a suborder of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, commonly known as true bugs. This group includes a diverse array of insects such as cicadas, leafhoppers, planthoppers, spittlebugs, and froghoppers. A key characteristic of Auchenorrhyncha is their piercing-sucking mouthparts, which they use to feed on plant sap. They typically have two pairs of wings, although some species may be wingless.

The morphology of Auchenorrhyncha is varied. Cicadas are known for their large size and loud buzzing sounds produced by tymbals. Leafhoppers are generally small and agile, often found on the undersides of leaves. Planthoppers exhibit a remarkable diversity of forms, some with elaborate wing structures that mimic leaves or other plant parts. Spittlebugs and froghoppers are named for the frothy protective secretion produced by nymphs, which resembles spittle.

These insects are found worldwide in various habitats, particularly in terrestrial environments where plants are abundant. They play significant roles in ecosystems as herbivores, and some species can be agricultural pests by transmitting plant diseases. Their life cycles typically involve incomplete metamorphosis, with nymphs hatching from eggs and molting several times before reaching adulthood. The classification within Auchenorrhyncha is based on a combination of morphological and molecular characteristics.