Characteristics of Homopterous Insects:
* Possess two pairs of membranous wings: These wings are typically held roof-like over the abdomen when at rest.
* Have piercing-sucking mouthparts: They use these mouthparts to extract sap from plants.
* Undergo incomplete metamorphosis: Their development involves egg, nymph, and adult stages, without a pupal stage.
* Exhibit a wide range of feeding habits: Some are herbivores, feeding on plant sap, while others are parasites, feeding on the blood of animals.
Examples of Homopterous Insects:
* Aphids
* Cicadas
* Leafhoppers
* Planthoppers
* Scale insects
* Whiteflies
Etymology:
The term "Homoptera" is derived from the Greek words "homos" (same) and "pteron" (wing), referring to the similar appearance of their forewings and hindwings.
Note: The suborder Homoptera is now considered paraphyletic, meaning it does not include all descendants of a common ancestor. The order Hemiptera is now divided into two suborders: Heteroptera (true bugs) and Auchenorrhyncha (including cicadas, leafhoppers, and planthoppers). However, the term "homopterous" is still widely used to refer to insects in the former suborder Homoptera.