Leafhopper & treehopper key |
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Methods |
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The information contained in these pages is based on published work on Australian and New Zealand Auchenorrhyncha by Knight (1973-1987) and others, and on M.-C. Larivière & M.J. Fletcher's work on the Auchenorrhyncha (Fulgoroidea and Cicadelloidae) of New Zealand and Australia.
Most photographs were taken with an Agfa ePhoto 1680 or a Nikon Coolpix 995 digital camera attached to a microscope, downloaded to a PC and enhanced as necessary using Photoshop, CorelPhotopaint or CorelDraw. Some images were also captured using the increased dept-of-field software Auto-Montage.
Examination of male genitalia.
Examination of male genitalia is an essential requirement for reliable identification to species for leafhoppers and treehoppers.
In order to do this, the apex of the abdomen, or preferably the whole abdomen, is carefully dissected and cleared in KOH (Potassium hydroxide, caustic potash) so that it becomes sufficiently transparent to see the internal structures. This operation should ideally be performed by a leafhopper specialist.
| *Take great care in using KOH because, even at 10%, it is corrosive and will cause burns if it contacts your skin. Avoid contact with the skin and avoid breathing the vapour. |