The Leafhoppers, or Cicadellidae, of Illinois (Eurymelinae Balcluthinae)

Abstract

The leafhoppers, or Cicadellidae, constitute one of the largest families of insects in North America and also in tile entire world, rivaling in number of species such groups as the rove beetles, or Staphylinidae, the hymenopterous family Ichneumonidae, and the weevil family Curculionidae. When complete, the Illinois list of leafhoppers will probably be close to 700 species. This report deals with about half of the Illinois leaf hopper species, comprising 16 subfamilies. The other half belongs to the large subfamily Cicadellinae, which is not treated in this report except for a key to the genera. Three hundred thirty species of the subfamilies here treated are recorded from Illinois. Additional species whose range indicates that they might he found in the state with subsequent collecting have been added to the keys for the purpose of giving a more thorough understanding of the Illinois species. Many leafhopper species are economically important, either inflicting direct damage to crops, or transmitting plant diseases. These species are difficult to differentiate from many forms considered to be of little or no economic importance. One of the principal aims of this report is to set forth keys and illustrations for their identification.