Leafhopper food plants in a Neotropical forest in Panama (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Abstract The leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) are a group of insects that suck sap from vascular plants. host plants most species Cicadellidae unknown, but some known to have wide range food plants, while others plant specific. aim this study was record the and for in Neotropical rainforest. area located lowland forests Panama Province (Central Panama) two National Parks. Sampling done undergrowth, canopy emergent strata collect cicadellids feeding on trees, shrubs, seedlings, vines there. We collected 118 cicadellid adult representing 24 species, 21 genera, six subfamilies, which fed 49 belonging 31 families. subfamily with largest number Cicadellinae 11, family Fabaceae five favorite Anacardium excelsum, hosted 10 individuals. According estimates by Shannon Weiner, leafhopper communities more diverse trees than vines, or grasses.