Scolypopa australis, commonly known as the passionvine hopper, is a species of insect in the Ricaniidae family of planthoppers (Fulgoroidea) that is native to Australia and was introduced to New Zealand.
[1][2] Despite its name, they are found not only on passion vines, but on many plant species, including kiwifruit and the lantana.
[5] As an adult they look somewhat like a moth to the untrained eye, and walk "like a ballerina".
They were first recorded in New Zealand in 1878, where they are among over 40 species of planthopper, mostly native, but including the introduced Siphanta acuta (green planthoppers), Achilus flammeus (red fingernail bugs) and Anzora unicolor (grey planthoppers), all from Australia.
[6] They may be a vector of the 'sudden decline' disease caused by Phytoplasma australiense that has affected the native cabbage tree (Cordyline australis), and are a common pest in gardens.