Biosecurity threat, not present in Australia
Zeoliarus oppositus (Walker)
Caution
Many of the insects depicted on these pages are outwardly similar and you should not use photographs as the sole means of identification. These pages form part of a scientific key which will assist a trained entomologist to identify the species accurately.
Common Name: No common name
Family/Subfamily/Tribe: Cixiidae/Cixiinae/Pentastirini
Distribution: New Zealand
Economic Status: Winks et al. (2014) demonstrated that this species is polyphagous and is a vector of Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense in both Coprosma robusta (Rubiaceae) and Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae).
Notes: There are no species of Zeoliarus found in Australia, the two described species being restricted to New Zealand. The genus Zeoliarus differs from other pentastirine genera present in Australia by having 7–8 apical spines on the first tarsal segment of the hind leg and platellae (flat tooth-like processes) behind the apical spines on the second tarsal segment of the hind leg. All Australian genera either lack platellae on the second hind tarsal segment or have platellae present on both hind tarsal segments.
Image: NSW Dept of Primary Industries