Dictyophara multireticulata

Appearance

Dictyopharidae is a large family of medium-sized to small planthoppers. Planthoppers are any insect that falls in the infraorder 'Fulgoromorpha'. It's the 6th largest planthopper family, containing approximately 720 species in total.

Dictyophara is a small genus in this family. It's been proposed that these insects feed on grasses and herbaceous plants, however, it's proposed that European equivalent species possess broader diets.

They're typically bright green with clear wings and delicate venation. They possess pointed snouts, with an upright and alert posture.
Adults: Fulgoroids possess antennae that point outwards from the sides of the head, below the eye. Dictyophara spp. tend to be bright to dull green, with short to medium snouts. Their wingspans can reach a maximum 3cm and their posture is 'upright' and 'alert'.

Despite their names, these insects do not emit light! They're associated with a range of grasses and herbaceous plants, jumping long distances when disturbed.

Naming

Mulsant & Rey, 1855

'Lantern Fly'

Distribution

Tropical and subtropical climates, although some species occur in Europe.

Behavior

Nocturnal

Food

Plant hoppers feed on plant juices and excrete honeydew, a sweet by-product of digestion.