Asarcopus palmarum
This record describes Asarcopus palmarum (species). Recorded family: Caliscelidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sexually dimorphic in the shape of the head and wing color/shape. The male is shinier, has more color contrast, and has a humped thorax and an indentation at the junction of the thorax and abdomen, whereas the female is smoothly tubular. Specimens from California are straw-colored with darker brown markings. Brachypterous and macropterous adult specimens
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
- Caliscelini
- Genus
- Asarcopus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to N. Africa, adventive in CA & TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: various palms
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Asarcopus palmarum Horváth 1921
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Asarcopus palmarum. 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 Asarcopus palmarum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Asarcopus palmarum
What is Asarcopus palmarum?
Asarcopus palmarum is a species in the family Caliscelidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Asarcopus palmarum?
Sexually dimorphic in the shape of the head and wing color/shape. The male is shinier, has more color contrast, and has a humped thorax and an indentation at the junction of the thorax and abdomen, whereas the female is smoothly tubular. Specimens from California are straw-colored with darker brown markings. Brachypterous and macropterous adult specimens
Where is Asarcopus palmarum found?
Range: native to N. Africa, adventive in CA & TX
What does Asarcopus palmarum eat?
The diet of the Asarcopus palmarum includes hosts: various palms.