Due to their cryptic life and scarcity Achilidae is one of the least known and understood families of planthoppers (Fulgoroidea). This work represents the first comprehensive review of Achilidae from the West Palaearctic. A general update of the current knowledge on morphology, taxonomy, systematics, distribution, and ecology of Achilidae is presented. With focus on West Palaearctic taxa larval instars of two Mediterranean species are described and illustrated for the first time. For adults, male and female genital structures of all species concerned are figured and described. Supplementary descriptions are provided for all known species. Biological notes, especially on host plant associations wherever available are provided. These have revealed an association with Fagaceae (Quercus spp., Fagus spec.) and Pinaceae (Pinus spec., Abies spec.); immatures and partly adults feed as sap-suckers on hyphae of fungi of Basidiomycota: Polyporales which are found on rotten parts under bark of fallen trees. 5 species were discovered as new to science: 4 of the genus Cixidia Spinola (C. anatolica spec. nov. from Turkey, C. maghrebina spec. nov. from Algeria, C. malickii spec. nov. from Greece: Crete, C. skaloula spec. nov. from Greece), and 1 of the genus Neomenocria Fennah (N. creticola spec. nov from Greece: Crete), the latter genus here being removed from synonymy with Cixidia and newly defined. All West Palaearctic species belong to the subfamily Achilinae with a total of 3 genera and 16 species, and are assigned to 2 tribes: a single species represents the tribe Plectoderini (Akotropis quericola Linnavuori), 15 the tribe Achilini (not counted the taxonomically unclear Elidiptera genei Spinola where the type-specimen is apparently lost). Keys to gena and species of Achilini treated in this work are provided. Despite of the scarcity and fragmentary documentation of West Palaearctic Achilidae, geographic hot spots for species richness appear to be in Greece (7 species), Turkey (5 species), and Italy (4 species).
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