Peregrinus maidis, commonly known as the corn planthopper, is a species of insect in the order Hemiptera and the family Delphacidae.

[6] P. maidis are thought to have originated in Australia as a pest of sorghum but quickly spread with the widespread cultivation of the closely related sugarcane and maize plants.

[3] Attempts to rear the species on other host plants has resulted in decreased fecundity, body size, life span, and slower nymph development.

P. maidis occupies warm climates and is able to reproduce year round, but development is affected by temperature changes.

[7] Similar to other planthoppers, two different types (morphs) of adult P. maidis can develop depending on environmental conditions.

[9] The first, brachypterous, have short, underdeveloped wings and most often develop as a response to high quality host plants, low conspecific density, and no need for dispersal.

The second, macropterous, have fully developed wings and emerge when dispersal is required due to high population density or low quality host plants.

The purpose of the macropters is to disperse and lay eggs on corn seedlings, whereas the brachypters are to simply feed on the growing plant and reproduce.

Infestations will physically damage the host plant because the insect breaks through the vascular tissue with its tibia spur and feeds on the sap exuded.

Peregrinus maidis reovirus (PgMV) from the family Reoviridae, is a non-pathogenic virus transmitted by the insect.