The diagnostic feature of this family of small planthoppers (usually 2-4mm in length) is the large movable spur at the apex of the hind tibia. About 70 species occur in Britain.
Ditropis pteridis, a specialist of bracken, is a common and widespread species throughout Britain. Females often become so swollen by the eggs in her abdomen that the tergites are stretched apart and the soft connective membranes are stretched to their limit.
Many species have both long and short-winged varieties.
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