The segmentations and apical teeth of the metatarsi in the first to fifth instar nymphs and adults of the Coleorrhyncha and Auchenorrhyncha are examined phylogenetically. The ground plan for the metatarsi of Auchenorrhyncha has two segments. The segmentations and apical teeth of the metatarsi appear to be accelerated during their ontogenetic development. By a thorough comparison of morphological data of the metatarsi, a cladogram for the Fulgoroidea is reconstructed as (Coleorrhyncha ((Cicadoidea, Cercopoidea, Membracoidea) (Tettigometridae (Ricaniidae-group (Tropiduchidae-group (Ful-goridae-group, Cixiidae-group)))))). On the basis of metatarsal characters analyzed, the Fulgoroidea has the most advanced character state in the Auchenorrhyncha and the Cixiidae-group has the most advanced character state in the Fulgoroidea.