Passion vine hopper - Scolypopa australis

By N A Martin (2017, revised 2018)

Caption:

Classification

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Hemiptera

Family

Ricaniidae

Scientific name

Scolypopa australis (Walker, 1851)

Common names

Passion vine hopper, Fluffy bums (nymphs)

Synonyms

Pochazia australis Walker, 1851

Flatoides australis Walker, 1858

Scolypopa urbana Stål, 1859

Biostatus and distribution

This adventive plant hopper from Australia has been in Zealand since before 1880 and is now widespread in lowland (below 500 m) areas of the North Island and in Nelson and Marlborough in the South Island. It occurs on its herbaceous, shrub and tree host plants in city gardens and parks as well as native ecosystems. Its feeding results in production of a lot of honeydew which makes plants sticky and black from sooty moulds.

Conservation status: Widespread, a pest on some garden and crop plants.

Life stages and annual cycle

Annual Cycle of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in New Zealand. Creator: Barry Eykel. © Based on life cycle chart in DSIR Information series No. 105/35 (1981). [Image: 2M9D]

The Passion vine hopper has one generation per year. It overwinters as eggs. The egg stage has an obligatory diapause (resting stage). Nymphs hatch in late spring and adults are present from summer until early winter. Adults and nymphs tend to aggregate on the actively growing shoots and leaves and feed on sap from the phloem.

The adults are about 5-6 mm long and have broad triangular forewings that are clear with a mottled dark brown-black pattern. The head, thorax (middle part of body) and abdomen are pale brown. They have three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings. They jump if disturbed as well as being able to fly. On the underside of the head the rostrum extends between their legs. It contains the stylets, long rods, that are used for feeding. Adults take two weeks to mature. Mating commences at dusk. Egg laying occurs in late afternoon and evening.

The female lays eggs preferentially in dead plant tissue including timber structures such as garden stakes, but will also lay in soft live plant stems and leaf midribs. The eggs are inserted in long rows. The sharp ovipositor prepares a hole into which is inserted the pale ovoid egg (about 1 mm long). The pulped material at the hole entrance is compacted to form a protective plug, though some fibres remain obvious.

Upon hatching, the newly emerged nymphs move to succulent shoots to feed. They often gather near the tips of the shoot. There are five nymphal instars (stages). They grow from 1 mm long to 5 mm and go from nymphal instar to the next by moulting. During moulting, the skin on the dorsal side splits and the next stage pulls itself out of the old skin. The nymphs are pale with brown markings and have a white tuft of white filaments on the end of the abdomen. They can move the tuft of filaments up and down. It is usually held upright. Like the adults, they have three pairs of legs and can jump. They also have a rostrum with stylets for feeding on plant sap.

Walking and flying

The nymphs and adults have three pairs of legs that are used for walking. When they are disturbed they can hop. The adults have two pairs of wings held over their body and used for flying.

Feeding

Like other Hemiptera, the Passion vine hopper has piercing and sucking mouth parts. The long stylets, special shaped rods, are held in the rostrum. When it wishes to feed, the bug moves the tip of the rostrum to a suitable part of the plant. The stylets are then gradually pushed into the plant. The stylets form two tubes, one through which saliva is injected into the plant and a second through which plants juices are sucked up into the insect. The Passion vine hopper feed on plant sap in the phloem. Excess liquid is secreted as honeydew. They produce a lot of honeydew that coats plant leaves. Black sooty moulds may grow on it.

Drawing of an adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Des Helmore. © DSIR Information series No. 105/35 (1981). [Image: 2M9B]

Adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8L]

Adults and nymphs of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8J]

Adult Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8I]

Oviposition scars in a dead twig made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M7V]

Oviposition scars in a dead twig made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M7W]

Eggs of Passion vine hoppesr, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) exposed in a dead twig. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M7T]

Eggs of Passion vine hoppesr, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) exposed in a dead twig. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M7U]

Oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in mid rib of leaf of Karaka, Corynocarpus laevigatus (Corynocarpaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M84]

First instar nymphs of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a young shoot. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2MC4]

First instar nymphs of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a young shoot. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2MC5]

Young nymphs of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a cabbage tree, Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M93]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Haloragis erecta (Haloragaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8T]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of Glossy karamu, Coprosma robusta (Rubiaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8M]

Nymphs and moulted skins of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8C]

Adults, nymphs and moulted skins of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8K]

A recently moulted adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) with wings still to fully expand. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M92]

Side view of a recently moulted adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a fern frond: the wings have fully expanded, but they still have to acquire pigment Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M98]

Recognition

Of the three common Australian plant hoppers, adult Passion vine hoppers are the most distinctive and easiest to recognise. They have transparent wings with mainly dark brown-black markings. The wings are held over their body like a low tent. The head and body are pale brown. The Green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae). and Grey hopper, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae), are as their name suggests green and blue-grey respectively. The wings are held over their body like a steep roof.

The nymphs of the Passion vine hopper require a little more skill to identify. They are often called ‘fluffy bums’ because of their fluffy wax tail. Both the Green and Grey planthoppers also have fluffy wax tails, but the tail of the Passion vine hopper sticks up most of the time, while the tail of Green planthopper nymphs tends to lie flat. The larger Passion nymphs are red-brown with pale markings. The nymphs of the Green planthopper may be green or pale with a few red markings. The nymphs of the Grey planthopper are mostly covered with lots of wax. They have a fluffy wax tail that is usually held flat and towards the front they may have wax horn-like structures.

Adult Grey planthopper, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae) on Small-leaved pohuehue, Muehlenbeckia complexa (Polygonaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M5Y]

Adult Grey planthoppers, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae) on Haloragis erecta (Haloragaceae). An adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Ricaniidae) also present. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M60]

Adult green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae): note that descending from the head, the proboscis that guides the stylets used for feeding. Creator: Tim Holmes. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M43]

Top view of an adult green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae). Creator: Tim Holmes. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M42]

Nymphs of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae): note the fluffy wax tails held upright. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8E]

Adult and nymphs of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae): note the nymphs with fluffy wax tails held upright. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8B]

Small nymphs of green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae) and moulted skins on underside of a leaf of Coastal five-finger, Pseudopanax lessonii (Araliaceae). Creator: Tim Holmes. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M3V]

Nymph of green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae) on leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Creator: Tim Holmes. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M4A]

Nymph of green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae) on the underside of a leaf of Solanum nodiflorum (Solanaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M4J]

Side view of nymph of green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae) on the underside of a leaf stalk of Solanum nodiflorum (Solanaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M4I]

Nymph of Grey planthopper, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae) on Marsh ribbonwood, Plagianthus divaricatus (Malvaceae): side view showing the fluffy wax on the upper side of the body. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M5R]

Colony of nymphs of Grey planthopper, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae) on Marsh ribbonwood, Plagianthus divaricatus (Malvaceae): note all the fluffy white wax. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M5V]

Two nymphs of Grey planthopper, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae) on Ngaio, Myoporum laetum (Scrophulariaceae). One nymph of the green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae) is also on the leaf: note the green wax-free body and the fluffy tail held close to the surface of the leaf. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M5E]

Nymphs of Grey planthopper, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae) on Willow herb, Epilobium sp. (Onagraceae). A nymph of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Ricaniidae) is also present (white arrow): note the wax free body and the upright fluffy tail. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M67]

Natural enemies

Pathogens, parasitoids and predators have been found. In addition, Rob Cumber in his 1966 paper reported that wood boring larvae of caterpillars and beetles may incidentally kill overwintering eggs. This kind of unintential killing is sometimes called ‘malentities’.

Pathogens

Five fungal pathogens of the Passion vine hopper are known in New Zealand. Hirsutella species may be seen on dead adults and nymphs on the underside of leaves in the Autumn. A survey of Kiwifruit Orchards reported by Marshall and colleages in 2003 found that several strains of an insect pathogen, Lecanicillium muscarium (Petch) Zare & W. Gams, were present. One of the strains was later made into a commercial pesticide for control of Passion vine hoppers in Kiwifruit orchards.

Parasitoids

Two wasp egg parasitoids of the Passion vine hopper are known in New Zealand. They can kill a high proportion of eggs. Ron Cumber in his 1966 paper reports that Centrodora scolypopae Vallentine, 1966 was first found in August 1962 at Paihia, Bay of Island, Northland. The female wasp is much larger than the male. There may be 1-4 wasps in a Passion vine hopper egg. Parasitised eggs are pale with a dark half band at one end. Parasitoid development is delayed so that the adults emerge in the late summer when new season passion vine hopper eggs are available. North of Auckland upto 87% of Passion vine hopper eggs may be parasitised. Dr Gerad in one of her 1989 papers on the egg parasitoid, found depth in a plant of Passion vine hopper eggs varied with host plant and that the proportion of eggs that were parasitised was greater in shallow eggs.

The second parasitoid Ablerus sp. was discovered by SJ Harcourt while doing research for his MSc at Auckland University and published in 1995. John Charles and Doug Allen in reported in 2004 that both Ablerus sp. and Centrodora scolypopae were widespread in the North Island.

Predators

One of the predators, an unnamed mite, Pyemotes sp. (Acari: Pyemotidae) also feeds on eggs during the winter. It will feed on eggs that have been parasitised.

One bird and several spiders and predatory insects have been recorded feeding on Passion vine hoppers.

Adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) killed by Hirsutella saussurei (Ascomycota: Ophiocordycipitaceae). © All rights reserved. [Image: 2M7L]

Adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) killed by a fungal pathogen. © All rights reserved. [Image: 2M7R]

Nymph of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) killed by Hirsutella saussurei (Ascomycota: Ophiocordycipitaceae). © All rights reserved. [Image: 2M7N]

An Aussie Bronze Jumper, Helpis minitabunda (Salticidae ) spider feeding on an adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8Y]

Fifth instar nymph of Schellenberg's soldier bug, Oechalia schellenbergii (Hempitera: Pentatomidae) that had fed on a Passion vine hopper nymph. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2BCL]

Host plants

Passion vine hoppers are found on many plants including native species. The list of host plants is far from complete. It may be easier to list plants on which Passion vine hoppers do not feed!

They occur on garden plants, and are often present in large numbers. Their feeding can cause shoots to wilt and young leaves to be damaged. The secretion of honeydew causes plants to become sticky and sooty mould fungi may develop. Sooty mould on fruit of commercial crops of Kiwifruit can cause rejection of fruit for export.

As well as causing feeding damage to plants, egg laying also damages soft growths such as narrow stems, leaf veins and stalks and tendrils.

Dead flower stalk with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M7X]

Live and dead stems with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M7Y]

Dead stem with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M7Z]

Live leaf with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M80]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Puka, Griselinia lucida (Griseliniaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M86]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Lemonwood, Pittosporum eugenioides (Pittosporaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M87]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Ngaio, Myoporum laetum (Scrophulariaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M88]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Kohekohe, Dysoxylum spectabile (Meliaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M89]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Hebe, Veronica macrocarpa (Plantaginaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8A]

Nymphs of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8D]

Adult Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on leaves of a cabbage tree, Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8H]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Mahoe, Melicytus ramiflorus (Violaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8P]

Nymphs and moulted skins of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a leaf of Mahoe, Melicytus ramiflorus (Violaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8Q]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Clematis paniculata (Ranunculaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8S]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Erechtites sp. (Compositae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8T]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a leaf of Erechtites sp. (Compositae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8U]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a frond of Shining spleenwort, Asplenium oblongifolium (Aspleniaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8V]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a frond of Silver fern, Cyathea dealbata (Cyatheaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8W]

Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a frond of Silver fern, Cyathea dealbata (Cyatheaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8X]

Adults and nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a stem of Raupō, Typha orientalis (Typhaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M90]

Young nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a leaf of Seven-finger, Schefflera digitata (Araliaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2SBD]

Young nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the leaf petioles and shoot tip of Seven-finger, Schefflera digitata (Araliaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2SBE]

Adult, nymphs and moulted skins of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a leaf of Coastal coprosma, Coprosma repens (Rubiaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2SBF]

Moulted skins of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a leaf of Ngaio, Myoporum laetum (Scrophulariaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2SBG]

Adult and nymph of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the stem of Coastal coprosma, Coprosma repens (Rubiaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2SBH]

Adult and nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a frond of Hounds tongue fern, Microsorum pustulatum (Polypodiaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2SBI]

Table: Host plants of the Passion vine hopper, *Scolypopa australis* (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) from Plant-SyNZ database (23 July 2018). The reliability score shows the quality of evidence for the host association (1-10, 10=high).
Common Name(s)	Scientific Name	Family	Reliability Index	Biostatus
Shining spleenwort, Huruhuruwhenua, Parenako, Paretao, Pānako, Paranako, Paretao, Urūru whenua	Asplenium oblongifolium Colenso	Aspleniaceae	10	endemic
Sickle spleenwort, Petako, Peretao	Asplenium polyodon G.Forst.	Aspleniaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Lance fern, Nini, Rereti	Blechnum chambersii Tindale	Blechnaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Palm fern, Horokio, Kiokio, Korokio, Koropio, Mokimoki, Piupiu, Rautao, Tupari	Blechnum novae-zelandiae T.C. Chambers et P.A. Farrent	Blechnaceae	10	endemic
Silver fern, Kaponga, Kātote, Ponga, Punga	Cyathea dealbata (G.Forst.) Sw.	Cyatheaceae	10	endemic
Black tree fern, Black mamaku, Korau, Mamaku, Pitau, Katātā	Cyathea medullaris (G.Forst.) Sw.	Cyatheaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Rough tree fern, Harsh tree fern, Tirawa, Wheki, Atewheki, Pakue, Pēhiakura, Tio, Tūākura, Tūōkura, Uruuruwhenua, Wekī	Dicksonia squarrosa (G.Forst.) Sw.	Dicksoniaceae	10	endemic
Male fern	Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott	Dryopteridaceae	10	naturalised
Hounds tongue, Hound's tongue fern, Strap fern, kōwaowao, pāraharaha, kōwaowao, Maratata, Pāraha, pāraharaha, Raumanga	Microsorum pustulatum (G.Forst.) Copel.	Polypodiaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Feather fern, Gully fern, Pākau, Pākau roharoha, Pakauroharoha, Piupiu	Pneumatopteris pennigera (G.Forst.) Holttum	Thelypteridaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Black shield fern, Common shield fern, Shore shiel, Pikopiko, Pipiko, Tutoke	Polystichum richardsii (Hook.) J. Smith	Dryopteridaceae	9	endemic
Austral bracken, Bracken, Bracken fern, Common fern, Manehu, rahurahu, Rārahu, Rarauhe, Rarauhe-mahuika, Tākaka	Pteridium esculentum (G.Forst.) Cockayne	Dennstaedtiaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Maple	Acer sp.	Sapindaceae	7	unknown
Kiwifruit, Kiwi berry	Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq.	Actinidiaceae	10	cultivated
Cruel plant, Kapok vine, Moth plant, White bladder flower	Araujia horturum E.Fourn.	Apocynaceae	10	naturalised
Wineberry, Mako, Makomako	Aristotelia serrata (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) W.R.B.Oliver	Elaeocarpaceae	10	endemic
Renga lily, Rock lily, Māikaika, Rengarenga	Arthropodium cirratum (G.Forst.) R.Br.	Asparagaceae	10	endemic
Bridal veil creeper, Smilax	Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce	Asparagaceae	10	naturalised
Asparagus	Asparagus officinalis L.	Asparagaceae	10	naturalised
Barberry	Berberis glaucocarpa Stapf	Berberidaceae	10	naturalised
Common barberry, European berbery	Berberis vulgaris L.	Berberidaceae	10	naturalised
Bushman's friend, Kōuaha, Pukapuka, Pukariao, Puke-rangiora, Rangiora, Raurākau, Raurēkau, Whārangi, Whārangi-tawhito	Brachyglottis repanda J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.	Compositae	10	endemic
Buddleia, Butterfly bush, Summer lilac	Buddleja davidii Franch.	Scrophulariaceae	10	naturalised
Bitou bush, Boneseed, Higgin's curse, Jungle flower, Salt bush	Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) T. Norl. subsp. monilifera (L.) T. Norl.	Compositae	10	naturalised
Tangelo	Citrus ×tangelo J.W.Ingram & H.E.Moore	Rutaceae	10	cultivated
Lemon	Citrus limon (L.) Burm.f.	Rutaceae	10	naturalised
Sweet orange, Navel orange	Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck	Rutaceae	10	naturalised
Citrus	Citrus sp.	Rutaceae	7	unknown
White clematis, Pikiarero, Pohue, Popokonui-a-hura, Pūānanga, Puapua, Puatataua, Puataua, Puatauataua, Puawānanga	Clematis paniculata J.F.Gmel.	Ranunculaceae	10	endemic
Tree coprosma, Mamangi, Māmāngi	Coprosma arborea Kirk	Rubiaceae	10	endemic
Kākawariki, Kanono, Kapukiore, Karamū-kueo, Kueo (fruit), Manono, Pāpāuma, Raurēkau, Toherāoa	Coprosma grandifolia Hook.f.	Rubiaceae	10	endemic
Shining karamu, Kākaramū, Kākarangū, Karamū, Kāramuramu, Karangū, Patutiketike	Coprosma lucida J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.	Rubiaceae	10	endemic
	Coprosma macrocarpa Cheeseman subsp. minor A.P.Druce ex R.O.Gardner & Heads (2003)	Rubiaceae	10	endemic
Coastal Coprosma, Taupata	Coprosma repens A.Rich.	Rubiaceae	9	endemic
Glossy karamu, Kākaramū, Kākarangū, Karamū, Kāramuramu, Karangū	Coprosma robusta Raoul	Rubiaceae	10	endemic
Cabbage tree, Giant dracena, Grass palm, Palm lily, Sago palm, Ti, Kāuka, Kiokio, Kōuka, Tī, Tī awe, Ti kōuka, Tī para, Tī pua, Tī rākau, Whanake	Cordyline australis (G.Forst.) Endl.	Asparagaceae	10	endemic
Dwarf cabbage tree, Short-stemmed cabbage tree, Ti rauriki, Kōpuapua, Korokio, Mauku, Tī awe, Tī kapu, Tī koraha, Tī kupenga, Tī papa, Tī rauriki	Cordyline pumilio Hook.f.	Asparagaceae	10	endemic
Tree tutu, Pūhou, Tāweku, Tūpākihi, Tutu	Coriaria arborea Linds.	Coriariaceae	10	endemic
Karaka nut, Karaka, Kōpī	Corynocarpus laevigatus J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.	Corynocarpaceae	10	endemic
Chioggia squash, Pumpkin, Sea squash, Turban squash, Winter squash	Cucurbita maxima Duchesne	Cucurbitaceae	10	naturalised
Courgette, Kumikumi, Pumpkin, Vegetable marrow, Zucchini, Scallopini, Squash, Kamokamo	Cucurbita pepo L.	Cucurbitaceae	10	naturalised
Broom, English broom, Scotch broom, Wild broom	Cytisus scoprarius (L.) Link	Leguminosae	10	naturalised
New Zealand mahogany, Kohe, Kohekohe, Koheriki, Kohepi (flowers), Kohepu (flowers), Māota (flowers)	Dysoxylum spectabile (G.Forst.) Hook.f.	Meliaceae	10	endemic
Broad-leaved fleabane, Tall fleabane, Hāka, Kaingarua, Porerarua, Pouhawaiki	Erigeron sumatrensis Retz.	Compositae	10	naturalised
Eucalypt, Flowering gum, Gum, Stringybark	Eucalyptus sp.	Myrtaceae	7	unknown
Common fig, Edible fig, Brown Turkey fig	Ficus carica L.	Moraceae	10	naturalised
Kiekie	Freycinetia banksii A.Cunn.	Pandanaceae	9	endemic
Tree fuchsia, Hōnā (fruit), Kōhutuhutu, Kōnini (fruit), Kōtukutuku, Māti (fruit), Tākawa (fruit)	Fuchsia excorticata (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) L.f.	Onagraceae	10	endemic
Cutty grass, Tarangarara, Tarangārara, Tatangi, Toetoe kiwi, Toetoe mātā, Toetoe ngaungau, Toetoe tara-ngārara	Gahnia lacera (A.R. Rich.) Steud.	Cyperaceae	10	endemic
New Zealand privet, Hangehange, Hengahenga, Pāhengahenga, Pāpā, Pāpāhenga, Pāpāuma, Whangewhange	Geniostoma ligustrifolium A.Cunn. var. ligustrifolium	Loganiaceae	10	endemic
Akakōpuka, Akapuka, Puka, Pukatea	Griselinia lucida G.Forst.	Griseliniaceae	10	endemic
Shrubby haloragis, Toatoa	Haloragis erecta (Banks ex Murray) Oken	Haloragaceae	10	endemic
Pigeonwood, Kaiwhir, Kaiwhiria, Kōporokaiwhiri, Pōporokaiwhiri, Pōporokaiwhiria, Porokaiwhiri, Porokaiwhiria, Poroporokaiwhiria	Hedycarya arborea J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.	Monimiaceae	10	endemic
Kahili ginger, Wild ginger	Hedychium gardnerianum Ker Gawl.	Zingiberaceae	10	naturalised
Lacebark, Hohere, Hoihere, Houhere, Houhi, Houhi ongaonga, Houī, Ongaonga, Whauahi, Wheuhi	Hoheria populnea A.Cunn	Malvaceae	10	endemic
Ragwort, Saint James' wort, Tansy ragwort	Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.	Compositae	10	naturalised
New Zealand honeysuckle, Rewarewa	Knightia excelsa R.Br.	Proteaceae	10	endemic
Acrid lettuce	Lactuca virosa L.	Compositae	10	naturalised
Red tea tree, Tea tree, Kahikātoa, Kātoa, Mānuka, Pata, Rauiri, Rauwiri	Leptospermum scoparium J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.	Myrtaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Tall mingimingi, Hukihukiraho, Kaikaiatua, Mānuka-rauriki, Mikimiki, Mingi, Mingimingi, Ngohungohu, Tūmingi	Leucopogon fasciculatus (G.Forst.) A.Rich.	Ericaceae	10	endemic
New Zealand iris, Mānga-a-Huripapa, Mikoikoi, Tūkāuki, Tūrutu	Libertia ixioides (G.Forst.) Spreng.	Iridaceae	10	endemic
Broadleaf privet, Tree privet	Ligustrum lucidum W.T.Aiton	Oleaceae	10	naturalised
Chinese privet, Small-leaf privet	Ligustrum sinense Lour.	Oleaceae	10	naturalised
Japanese honeysuckle	Lonicera japonica Thunb.	Caprifoliaceae	10	naturalised
Apple, Crab-apple	Malus ×domestica Borkh.	Rosaceae	10	naturalised
Whiteywood, Hinahina, Inaina, Inihina, Māhoe, Moeahu, Kaiweta	Melicytus ramiflorus J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.	Violaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Large-leaved muehlenbeckia, Pōhuehue, Puka	Muehlenbeckia australis (G.Forst.) Meisn.	Polygonaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Ngaio	Myoporum laetum G.Forst.	Scrophulariaceae	10	endemic
Red mapou, Red matipo, Māpau, Māpou, Mataira, Matipou, Takapou, Tāpau, Tīpau	Myrsine australis (A.Rich.) Allan	Primulaceae	10	endemic
Akewharangi, Heketara, Ngungu, Taraheke, Tātaraheke, Wharangi-piro	Olearia rani (A. Cunn.) Druce	Compositae	10	endemic
New Zealand jasmine, Akakaikiore, Akakiore, Kaihua, Kaikū, Kaiwhiria, Poapoa, Tautauā, Tawhiwhi, Tūtae-kererū	Parsonsia heterophylla A. Cunningham	Apocynaceae	10	endemic
Black passionfruit, Purple granadilla, Purple passionfruit	Passiflora edulis Sims	Passifloraceae	10	naturalised
Avocado	Persea americana Mill.	Lauraceae	7	naturalised
Coastal flax, Mountain flax, Kōrari-tuauru, Wharariki	Phormium cookianum Le Jolis	Hemerocallidaceae	10	endemic
Flax, Lowland flax, New Zealand flax, Swamp flax, Harakeke, Harareke, Kōrari	Phormium tenax J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.	Hemerocallidaceae	10	endemic
Pepper tree, Kawa, Kawakawa	Piper excelsum G.Forst.	Piperaceae	10	endemic
Kaikaro, Karo, Kīhihi	Pittosporum crassifolium Banks & Sol. ex A.Cunn.	Pittosporaceae	10	endemic
Lemonwood, Kīhihi, Tarata	Pittosporum eugenioides A.Cunn.	Pittosporaceae	10	endemic
Marsh ribbonwood, Salt marsh ribbonwood, Houi, Mākaka, Runa	Plagianthus divaricatus J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.	Malvaceae	10	endemic
Golden tainui, Gum-digger's soap, Kūmarahou, Kūmararaunui, Pāpapa	Pomaderris kumeraho A.Cunn.	Rhamnaceae	10	endemic
Cherry	Prunus sp. 'cherry'	Rosaceae	7	naturalised
Five-finger, Houhou, Parapara, Puahou, Tauparapara, Whau, Whaupaku, Whauwhau, Whauwhaupaku	Pseudopanax arboreus (Murray) Phillipson	Araliaceae	10	endemic
Coastal five finger, Houmāpara, Houpara, Houparapara, Kokotai, Oho, Parapara, Whauwhau	Pseudopanax lessonii (DC.) K. Koch	Araliaceae	10	endemic
Bush lawyer, Taraheke, Taramoa, Tātaraheke, Tātarāmoa	Rubus cissoides A.Cunn.	Rosaceae	10	endemic
Blackberry	Rubus fruticosus L.	Rosaceae	10	naturalised
Brittle willow, Crack willow	Salix ×fragilis L.	Salicaceae	10	naturalised
Seven-finger, Kohi, Kotētē, Patate, Patatē, Patē, Patētē	Schefflera digitata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.	Araliaceae	10	endemic
Australian fireweed	Senecio bipinnatisectus Belcher	Compositae	10	naturalised
Fireweed	Senecio esleri C.J.Webb	Compositae	10	naturalised
Flannel leaf, Kerosene plant, Tobacco weed, Wild tobacco tree, Woolly nightshade	Solanum mauritianum Scop.	Solanaceae	10	naturalised
Small-flowered nightshade, Pōporo, Poroporo, Raupeti, Remuroa	Solanum nodiflorum Jacq.	Solanaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Bushy starwort, Sea aster	Symphyotrichum subulatum (Michx.) G.L.Nesom	Compositae	10	naturalised
Wandering Jew, Wandering Willie	Tradescantia fluminensis Vell.	Commelinaceae	10	naturalised
Broadleaf cumbungi, Bulrush, Kārito, Koare, Kōpūngāwhā, Kōpūpūngāwhā, Ngāwhā, Raupō	Typha orientalis C.Presl	Typhaceae	10	indigenous, non-endemic
Purple top, South American vervain, Tall verbena	Verbena bonariensis L.	Verbenaceae	10	naturalised
Hebe, Kōkōmuka	Veronica macrocarpa Vahl	Plantaginaceae	10	endemic
New Zealand oak, Kauere, Pūriri	Vitex lucens Kirk	Labiatae	10	endemic
Grape	Vitis vinifera L.	Vitaceae	10	naturalised

Honeydew feeding

Passion vine hoppers feed on the sap in the phloem of plants and excrete excess water and sugars. This is called honeydew and often coats the leaves of plants. Ants and honey bees have been recorded feeding on the honeydew.

Source of poisonous honey

In 1947, C.R. Paterson published a paper that showed that poisonous honey was made by honey bees feeding on honeydew secreted by Passion vine hoppers feeding on Tree tutu, Coriaria arborea Linds. (Coriariaceae). They fed on the honeydew at a time when nectar from flowers was scarce.

Honeydew secreted by Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of Puriri, Vitex lucens (Labiatae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M96]

Control

Commercial Crops

Where passion vine hoppers are a problem on commercial crops, growers should consult their professional organisation and/or product group for control option.

Home Garden

Passion hoppers may be found on plants in most gardens. If possible, avoid growing plants that are very susceptible to passion vine hoppers. If you feel that you need to use pesticides to assist with their control, consult your local horticultural supplier or garden centre for suitable products.

You need to be aware that the older nymphs and adults are very mobile and can reinfest plants from nearby areas. If you want to apply a pesticide to control passion vine hopper, the most effective stages to target are the very small nymphs.

Non-pesticide options

One way to reduce the populations of passion vine hoppers is to remove all the bits of plant with eggs. Wait until the adults have finished laying eggs, about mid to late May. Then carefully go round the garden and cut off all the dead and live stems and leaves with their typical egg scars and tufts. You can bury them or destroy them in some other way.

You could even provide suitable egg laying material for the adults and harvest it after egg laying has finished. Look to see what they like in your area and hang small bundles of it plants with passion vine hopper. Start this about mid-February.

Having collected all the eggs, you could try to enhance their biological control by increasing the population of egg parasitoids. Keep all the bits of plants with eggs in a container. Ensure that they remain slightly damp, but not obviously wet and that the tiny newly hatched passion vine hopper nymphs cannot get out. Allow the nymphs to hatch and die, then in January open up the container outside. With luck the tiny egg parasitoids will hatch out in late January and February and find new passion vine hopper eggs in which to lay their eggs.

A bundle of dead stems with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Bundles of this kind of dead stem would be suitable for making an egg trap. Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M81]

Additional information

Research Project

The overwintering eggs enter an obligatory diapause. This means that egg development cannot be completed until after certain environmental conditions have been met. It could be day length exceeding a particular length, or that the eggs have experienced a certain number of days below a particular temperature. It would be useful to know the key environmental factors that trigger the end of diapause. It would also be interesting to know if all eggs enter diapause irrespective of environmental conditions or if all eggs enter diapause irrespective of environment.

Information sources

Charles JG, Allan DJ. 2004. Passionvine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae), egg parasitism by Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera) in New Zealand. New Zealand Entomologist. 27: 83-89.

Cumber RA. 1966.Factors influencing population levels of Scolypopa australis walker (Hemiptera-Homoptera: Ricaniidae) in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Science 9: 336-356.

Deitz LL. 1981. Passionvine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Walker), life cycle. DSIR Information series No. 105/35.

Gerard PJ. 1989a. Biology and morphology of immature stages of Centrodora scolypopae (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). New Zealand Entomologist 12:24-29.

Gerard PJ. 1989b. Influence of egg depth in host plants on parasitism of Scolypopa australis (Homoptera: Ricaniidae) by Centrodora scolypopae (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae. New Zealand Entomologist 12:30-34.

Hill RL, Steven D. 1989. Scolypopa australis (Walker), passionvine hopper (Homoptera: Ricaniidae). A review of biological control of invertebrate pests and weeds in New Zealand 1874-1987. Cameron, P.J.; Hill, R.L.; Bain, J.; Thomas, W.P. (eds.). Technical communication, CAB International Institute of Biological Control 10, CAB International, Wallingford: 241-244.

Logan DP, Rowe CA, Connolly PG. 2017. Cold hardiness and effect of winter chilling on mortality of passionvine hopper (Scolypopa australis) eggs. New Zealand Plant Protection 70: 120-130.

Marshall RK, Lester MT, Glare TR, Christeller JT. 2003. The fungus, Lecanicillium muscarium, is an entomopathogen of passionvine hopper (Scolypopa australis). New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science 31(1): 1-7.

Paterson CR. 1947. A recent outbreak of honey poisoning. Part 4. The source of the toxic honey - field observations. New Zealand Journal of Science and Technology Section A. 29 (3):125-129.

Acknowledgements

The New Zealand Plant & Food Research Institute Limited (Plant & Food Research) for permission to use photographs.

David Logan, Plant & Food Research for helpful comments on a draft manuscript.

Other images

Dead twig of Lemonwood, Pittosporum eugenioides, with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M82]

Underside of a frond of Hound's tongue fern, Microsorum pustulatum (Polypodiaceae) with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Plant & Food Research. [Image: 2M83]

Dead stems with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M99]

Leaf with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M9A]

Adults and a nymph of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8F]

Adult of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a cabbage tree, Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae). Creator: Nicholas A. Martin. © Nicholas A. Martin. [Image: 2M8G]

Update history

10 October 2018, NA Martin. Caption on 2 photos corrected to give host plant name as Erechtites sp.

1 August 2018, NA Martin. Photos added of nymphs on plants, host plant list updated.

INTERESTING INSECTS

and other invertebrates