The following information provides a general overview of some of the homopterans that you may encounter. Although there may be many different species within each group, I have selected only one or two to discuss as a general representative of each group. These insects are easily recognized by their characteristic body shape and size - the cicada is the largest Homoptera in the United States. Male cicadas produce sounds, sometimes these sounds are extremely loud. These sounds are used for mating and as a warning signal when disturbed.
Adults live for about one month.
Offspring are produced by mating or by parthenogenesis. High populations of aphids can slow plant growth, cause foliage discoloration, stunt terminal growth, and can lead to leaf curl, leaf drop, or plant death. Some species may distort stems or fruit, or cause galls on roots, leaves, or stems. Aphids may transmit some viruses, but this transmission is more of a problem in agricultural crops than in landscapes and nurseries. In some cases, landscape plants seem to tolerate high aphid populations quite well.