Aphelonema simplex
This record describes Aphelonema simplex (species). Recorded family: Caliscelidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males are reddish, females are tan; the very short head is distinctive (Andy Hamilton)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Fulgoroidea
- Family
- Caliscelidae (Piglet Bugs)
- Tribe
- Peltonotellini
- Genus
- Aphelonema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on cordgrass ( Spartina patens ) in freshwater situations (Andy Hamilton)
Geographic Range
ON-SK to FL-TX-CO
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Aug in MN
Diet and Behavior
Diet: recorded host: cordgrass ( Spartina patens ) , Spartina pectinata
Life History
adult male; adult female; mated pair of adults; egg; nymph
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphelonema simplex Uhler 1876
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphelonema simplex. 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 Aphelonema simplex (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov , marcie oconnor
Frequently Asked Questions About Aphelonema simplex
What is Aphelonema simplex?
Aphelonema simplex is a species in the family Caliscelidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Aphelonema simplex?
3-4 mm
How do you identify Aphelonema simplex?
Males are reddish, females are tan; the very short head is distinctive (Andy Hamilton)
Where is Aphelonema simplex found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on cordgrass ( Spartina patens ) in freshwater situations (Andy Hamilton) |
| Range | ON-SK to FL-TX-CO |
What does Aphelonema simplex eat?
The diet of the Aphelonema simplex includes recorded host: cordgrass ( Spartina patens ) , Spartina pectinata.
When is Aphelonema simplex active?
Aphelonema simplex: seasonal activity - Jul-Aug in MN.
What is the life cycle of a Aphelonema simplex?
adult male; adult female; mated pair of adults; egg; nymph