Amastris lycioda
This record describes Amastris lycioda (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The degree of sexual dimorphism in this species, although slight, is exceptional for the genus. Its small size, green color, and long oval outline will at once distinguish it. HOLOTYPE Holotype, allotype, and five paratypes July 24, 1930, five paratypes August and September, all taken by the writer at Tucson, Arizona.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Membracidae (Typical Treehoppers)
- Subfamily
- Smiliinae
- Tribe
- Amastrini
- Genus
- Amastris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, c. TX (Hillcounty up to Dallas, Corpus) / c. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Sept ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
nymph tended by ants while feeding on Berlandier's wolfberry ( Lycium berlandieri , Solanaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amastris lycioda Ball 1933
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Amastris lycioda. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Amastris lycioda (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Amastris lycioda
What is Amastris lycioda?
Amastris lycioda is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Amastris lycioda?
Length 3-4 mm
How do you identify Amastris lycioda?
The degree of sexual dimorphism in this species, although slight, is exceptional for the genus. Its small size, green color, and long oval outline will at once distinguish it. HOLOTYPE
Where is Amastris lycioda found?
Range: AZ, c. TX (Hillcounty up to Dallas, Corpus) / c. Mex. - Map
When is Amastris lycioda active?
Amastris lycioda: seasonal activity - Apr-Sept ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Amastris lycioda?
nymph tended by ants while feeding on Berlandier's wolfberry ( Lycium berlandieri , Solanaceae)