Phylogeny and diversification analyses of extant planthopper families (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) based on a mitochondrial dataset reveal ancient lineages originating during the Jurassic and originally feeding on gymnosperms.

This article focuses on the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) using a comprehensive mitochondrial genome dataset from 167 species across 18 families. Analyses employing maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods confirmed the monophyly of the two main superfamilies, Delphacoidea (including Cixiidae and Delphacidae) and Fulgoroidea (comprising other families), while revealing the polyphyly of Nogodinidae. Divergence time estimates, calibrated with 13 fossil records, date the origin of Delphacoidea and Fulgoroidea to the Late Permian (~257 million years ago), predating the rise of angiosperms, suggesting early planthoppers likely fed on gymnosperms and ancient ferns. The diversification of extant planthopper families mainly occurred during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, influenced by climatic changes and the evolutionary expansion of angiosperms.