estetiini

Estetiini is a taxonomic tribe of leafhoppers within the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. The circumscription of Estetiini has changed over time as new morphological and molecular data have become available, and the tribe currently includes several genera that share certain structural features used to distinguish Deltocephalinae tribes. Like other leafhoppers, estetiines are small to medium-sized, with a wedge-shaped body and jumping locomotion, and they are typically found on a variety of plants.

Diagnosis and morphology: Identification within the tribe relies mainly on detailed characters of the forewings and the male genitalia, in addition to general body shape and coloration, which are often subtle and species-specific. The tribe is primarily defined by a combination of venation patterns and reproductive structures rather than by external coloration.

Ecology and behavior: Estetiini species are phloem-feeding insects. They occur in diverse habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and agricultural areas, where they feed on a wide range of host plants. Some species may act as vectors for plant pathogens, contributing to disease transmission in crops, though the role of estetiines in phytopathogen transmission varies among species.

Distribution: The group has a broad distribution, with the greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, though representatives occur in temperate zones as well. The exact geographic range depends on the genus.

Taxonomic notes: Ongoing revisions using molecular data continue to refine the tribe’s composition and relationship to other Deltocephalinae tribes.