Description

• Acanalonia is a genus of small to medium-sized planthoppers in the family Acanaloniidae. Species typically have broad, wedge-shaped bodies, a sloping head, and roof-like wings held over the abdomen. Many are bright green, although yellowish, brown, and pinkish forms also occur. They are generally 3–10 mm long and can be recognised by their compact, somewhat leaf-like appearance.

Range

• Acanalonia is a New World genus ranging from southern Canada and the United States through Mexico and Central America to South America and the Caribbean. Mexico is a major centre of diversity, with numerous species occurring there, including species recorded from Guerrero.

Habitat

• These planthoppers inhabit a wide variety of terrestrial environments, including tropical and subtropical forest, dry forest, scrub, woodland edges, gardens, agricultural areas, and other habitats with suitable shrubs and trees. Adults and nymphs are generally found on stems, branches, and foliage, where their shape and colour provide camouflage.

Diet

• Acanalonia species are plant-feeders that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to obtain sap from vascular plants. They feed on a variety of woody and herbaceous plants, with individual species often showing associations with particular host plants.