Homopterans are typically found on plants, on which they all feed. Like Heteroptera, their mouthparts are long beaks, which they use pierce plant tissue and feed on the sap and fluid within. Homoptera expel the undigested portion of sap from their anus, producing a substance known as honeydew. This honeydew attracts ants, which, in exchange for the meal, protect many Homopterans.

Homoptera are an important food source for many birds, lizards, and predatorial insects (including Flower Files, Lacewings, and Ladybird beetles.)

The Homoptera includes such well known plant pests as aphids, scales, whiteflies and sharpshooters, all of which cause damage by feeding and may even transmit plant diseases. These pose many challenges to famers and gardeners alike. However, the group also contains many relatively benign bugs like treehoppers and cicadas.

The Coal Oil Point collection includes 24 species of Homoptera.

Bug Photos (click to enlarge)
Membracidae - Treehoppers
Cercopidae - Froghoppers and Spittlebugs
Cicadellidae - Leafhoppers
Additional pictures and information about Cicadellidae
Issidae - Issid Planthoppers
Cixiidae - Cixiid Planthoppers
Psyllidae - Psyllids
Aphididae - Aphids
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