Passion vine hopper - Scolypopa australis
By N A Martin (2017, revised 2018)
Classification
Adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Mahoe, Melicytus ramiflorus (Violaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Common Names
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. Image: Barry Eykel © Based on life cycle chart in DSIR Information series No. 105/35 (1981).
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). Image: Des Helmore © DSIR Information series No. 105/35 (1981)
Adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adults and nymphs of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adult Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Oviposition scars in a dead twig made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Oviposition scars in a dead twig made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Eggs of Passion vine hoppesr, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) exposed in a dead twig. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Eggs of Passion vine hoppesr, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) exposed in a dead twig. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in mid rib of leaf of Karaka, Corynocarpus laevigatus (Corynocarpaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in mid rib of leaf of Karaka, Corynocarpus laevigatus (Corynocarpaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
First instar nymphs of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a young shoot. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
First instar nymphs of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a young shoot. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Young nymphs of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a cabbage tree, Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Young nymphs of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a cabbage tree, Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Haloragis erecta (Haloragaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of Glossy karamu, Coprosma robusta (Rubiaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs and moulted skins of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adults, nymphs and moulted skins of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
A recently moulted adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) with wings still to fully expand. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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 Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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 Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adults and nymphs of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adult Grey planthopper, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae) on Small-leaved pohuehue, Muehlenbeckia complexa (Polygonaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adult Grey planthoppers, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae) on Haloragis erecta (Haloragaceae). An adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Ricaniidae) also present. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adult green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae): note that descending from the head, the proboscis that guides the stylets used for feeding. Image: Tim Holmes © Plant & Food Research
Top view of an adult green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae). Image: Tim Holmes © Plant & Food Research
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. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of Glossy karamu, Coprosma robusta (Rubiaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Small nymphs of green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae) and moulted skins on underside of a leaf of Coastal five-finger, Pseudopanax lessonii (Araliaceae). Image: Tim Holmes © Plant & Food Research
Nymph of green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae) on leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Tim Holmes © Plant & Food Research
Nymph of green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae) on the underside of a leaf of Solanum nodiflorum (Solanaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Side view of nymph of green planthopper, Siphanta acuta (Flatidae) on the underside of a leaf stalk of Solanum nodiflorum (Solanaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
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. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Colony of nymphs of Grey planthopper, Anzora unicolor (Flatidae) on Marsh ribbonwood, Plagianthus divaricatus (Malvaceae): note all the fluffy white wax. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
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. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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).
Adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) killed by Hirsutella saussurei (Ascomycota: Ophiocordycipitaceae).
Adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) killed by Hirsutella saussurei (Ascomycota: Ophiocordycipitaceae).
Adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) killed by a fungal pathogen.
Nymph of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) killed by Hirsutella saussurei (Ascomycota: Ophiocordycipitaceae).
Nymph of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) killed by Hirsutella saussurei (Ascomycota: Ophiocordycipitaceae).
An Aussie Bronze Jumper, Helpis minitabunda (Salticidae ) spider feeding on an adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
An Aussie Bronze Jumper, Helpis minitabunda (Salticidae ) spider feeding on an adult Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Fifth instar nymph of Schellenberg's soldier bug, Oechalia schellenbergii (Hempitera: Pentatomidae) that had fed on a Passion vine hopper nymph. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
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.
| 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 |
Dead flower stalk with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Live and dead stems with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Dead stem with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Live leaf with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Puka, Griselinia lucida (Griseliniaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Lemonwood, Pittosporum eugenioides (Pittosporaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Ngaio, Myoporum laetum (Scrophulariaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Ngaio, Myoporum laetum (Scrophulariaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Kohekohe, Dysoxylum spectabile (Meliaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Hebe, Veronica macrocarpa (Plantaginaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Young nymphs of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a cabbage tree, Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adult Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on leaves of a cabbage tree, Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of Glossy karamu, Coprosma robusta (Rubiaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Mahoe, Melicytus ramiflorus (Violaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs and moulted skins of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a leaf of Mahoe, Melicytus ramiflorus (Violaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Clematis paniculata (Ranunculaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a shoot of Erechtites sp. (Compositae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a leaf of Erechtites sp. (Compositae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a frond of Shining spleenwort, Asplenium oblongifolium (Aspleniaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a frond of Silver fern, Cyathea dealbata (Cyatheaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a frond of Silver fern, Cyathea dealbata (Cyatheaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adults and nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a stem of Raupō, Typha orientalis (Typhaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adults and nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a stem of Raupō, Typha orientalis (Typhaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Young nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a leaf of Seven-finger, Schefflera digitata (Araliaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Young nymphs of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the leaf petioles and shoot tip of Seven-finger, Schefflera digitata (Araliaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Moulted skins of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the underside of a leaf of Ngaio, Myoporum laetum (Scrophulariaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adult and nymph of the Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on the stem of Coastal coprosma, Coprosma repens (Rubiaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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.
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Classification | Honeydew feeding | Reliability Index | Biostatus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758) | Honey bee (Wasp) | Hymenoptera: Apidae | feeding on honeydew on leaves | 10 | adventive |
| Iridomyrmex sp. | Flat-backed tyrant ant (Wasp) | Hymenoptera: Formicidae | feeding on honeydew | 7 | adventive |
| Linepithema humile (Mayr, 1868) | Argentine ant (Wasp) | Hymenoptera: Formicidae | associated with insect producing honeydew | 10 | adventive |
| Nylanderia sp. | (Wasp) | Hymenoptera: Formicidae | associated with insect producing honeydew | 7 | adventive |
| Tetramorium grassii Emery, 1895 | Pennant ant (Wasp) | Hymenoptera: Formicidae | associated with insect producing honeydew | 10 | adventive |
Honeydew secreted by Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of Puriri, Vitex lucens (Labiatae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Honeydew secreted by Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of Puriri, Vitex lucens (Labiatae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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. Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
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). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
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). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Plant & Food Research
Dead stems with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Leaf with oviposition scars made by a female Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adults and a nymph of Passion vine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a leaf of New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax (Hemerocallidaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
Adult of Passion vine hoppers, Scolypopa australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) on a cabbage tree, Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae). Image: Nicholas A. Martin © Nicholas A. Martin
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.
Suggested Citation
Martin NA. 2017, revised 2018. Passion vine hopper - Scolypopa australis. Interesting Insects and other Invertebrates. New Zealand Arthropod Factsheet Series Number 111. http://nzacfactsheets.landcareresearch.co.nz/Index.html. Date Accessed. ISSN 1179-643X.
