Pyrops


Pyrops is a genus of planthoppers that occur primarily in southeast Asia, containing about 70 species. They are fairly large insects, with much of the length due to an elongated, upcurving, snout-like projection of the head. The wings are generally brightly patterned in contrasting colors, and they are popular among collectors.

Species

The genus has been divided into several species groups:

Candelaria group

"Cultellatus group"

Clavatus group

Effusus group

Oculatus group

Polillensis group

Pyrorhynchus group

Sultana group

Ungrouped species

Taxonomy

The genus name of Laternaria has been used by some authors, but this name was published in a work that was suppressed in 1955 by an official declaration of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature : Opinion 322. The type species is Pyrops candelaria.
A molecular phylogenetic study suggests that Pyrops is sister to the genus Saiva, and the tribe Pyropsini may not be properly placed in Fulgorinae.

Ecology

Like many other plant-sap sucking insects, Pyrops species exude honeydew. This honeydew is sometimes gathered by other animals in trophobiotic associations. Pyrops whiteheadi and P. intricatus are known to be attended by Dorylaea spp. cockroaches in Southeast Asia. Pyrops whiteheadi has also been seen tended by a gecko, Gehyra mutilata.