Disparity of metatibial and metatarsal cuticular and sensory structures in Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) with a metatibiotarsal diagnosis for the tribes.

A review of the cuticular and sensory metatibial and metatarsal structures in cixiid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) is proposed, depicting both their strong disparity and the great diversity of the patterns observed. Terminology and definitions for these structures are provided. The so-called lateral teeth of the metatibia in fact are particular styloconic sensory structures, called spiniform sensilla in Cixiidae.