Subfamily Eurymelinae
Tribe Eurymelini
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The Eurymelini are commonly known as gum treehoppers because all species are found only on eucalypts. Adults and nymphs are usually found in groups tended by ants. Unlike most leafhopper nymphs, eurymeline nymphs don't jump but avoid predators by running around the twig or branch when disturbed. The presence of ants presumably helps to discourage predators and the bright black and white or red and black colouring is probably aposematic, warning of the protection that the ants provide.

Status of the Subfamily Eurymelinae
There has been considerable discussion about the status of the subfamily and its validity as a family in its own right. The eurymelids differ from all other leafhoppers in the structure of the genitalia and venation of the tegmen which provide evidence that they may form a sister group to other Cicadellidae. In particular, in the male genitalia, the aedeagus lacks any connection with the parameres, being suspended from the dorsal parts of the pygofer. This is a basic and consistent condition in the Eurymelinae and is secondary in certain cicadellid groups in which a similar condition occasionally occurs.

 
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Document 1486, submitted 04 June 2002
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© NSW Agriculture, 2002

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