Notes on the Biology of the Cixiid PlanthopperCixius meridionalis(Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea)

Abstract

With the exception of a handful of economically important species, the biology of cixiid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Cixiidae) is poorly known. The host plants and life history of Cixius meridionalisBeirne were investigated in a wetland in Soldotna, Alaska. Specimens were collected over the course of the growing season by hand, aspirator, Berlese funnel, and sweep net. A handful of live nymphs were placed in a terrarium containing potential host plants for direct observation of feeding. C. meridionaliswas found to feed on roots of Picea mariana(Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb, Empetrum nigrumL., Chamaedaphne calyculata(L.) Moench, and Vaccinium vitis-idaeaL. At least within the study area, C. meridionalisappears to require multiple years to reach adulthood, with overwintering in nymphal instars. C. meridionaliswas occasionally tended by Myrmica alaskensisWheeler.