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Distinguishing among sucking insects that resemble each other

Common name (family) Attachment of antennae Prothorax enlarged? Ocelli1 Hind tibial spines2
cicadas (Cicadidae) in front of or between the eyes3 no4 three rows of spines along the length
leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) in front of or between the eyes3 no two or none one or more long rows of small spines along the entire length
planthoppers (many) below eyes on side of head5 no6 two or none several large spines
spittlebugs (Cercopidae) in front of or between the eyes3 no two or none one or two spines along the length and a whorl of many terminal spines
treehoppers (Membracidae) in front of or between the eyes3 yes7 two or none rows of spines along the length
1. Small beadlike or colored spots, which are light receptors on the head between or above the larger true eyes.
2. The tibia is usually the longest leg segment, that between the femur and the terminal tarsi (feet).
3. Antennae attached in front of the lowest point of the eye (as seen from the side) and between the eyes (as seen from the front).
4. Prothorax (area just behind the head) often prominent but does not extend over the abdomen or head.
5. Antennae attached below the eyes: behind the lowest point of the eye (as seen from the side) and under the eyes (as seen from the front).
6. Head typically has enlargements, ridges, or projections (often snoutlike) in front of the eyes.
7. Greatly enlarged prothorax projects backward over the abdomen (and in some species also projects forward or above), so that treehoppers appear humpbacked or resemble a thorn.

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