This work presents an overview of the fauna of leafhoppers and planthoppers (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha et Cicadomorpha) of Germany and their life strategies, with special reference to insect - plant relationships. The data base included the available literature and the more important museum collections, as well as extensive own material. During 12 years of field work, approximately 30,000 species records were gathered, 8,600 of which could be referred to plant species. The number of determined individuals comprised 300,000 from more than 500 localities in most parts of Germany.

Part I (sections 1 to 4) gives a short description of the study area, material and methods and of literature on identification, and brief accounts on 620 species are presented (145 Fulgoromorpha and 475 Cicadomorpha), with information on life cycle, phenology, habitat requirements (with emphasis on moisture, sun-exposure and pH), host or food plants, frequency on the host, abundance, seasonal migrations as well as geographic and altitudinal distribution. If necessary, annotations are made on taxonomic and nomenclatural uncertainties and open questions. Dubious records are omitted or discussed. Information on recent changes, notably range expansions, declines, introductions and occasional influxes, is summarized. In part II (section 5), the Auchenorrhyncha guilds on plant families are described and discussed, with further discussion of responses to resource type and plant morphology. In part III (section 6), patterns of resource utilization are described and analyzed. Major points include differences between main plant clades and families, between different vegetation layers and different plant substrates. A short overview is given on pests on cultivated plants. Further, host specificity, dispersal and life cycles are summarized and discussed.