Atanus perspicillatus
This record describes Atanus perspicillatus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
specimens from the northeast differ slightly from the illustrations. The first specimens collected in New Hampshire were identified by Andy Hamilton as Atanus ?perspicillatus. The issue is that the genitalia are closest to the figure of perspicillatus in DeLong's revision of 1978, but the apical and medial spines of the genitalia of the New England specimens are clearly longer and more curved, but not extraordinarily so. There is either a regional difference between the Midwest and New England populations, or it is an undescribed species. Without examining material from the Midwest or South I am not sure what the correct conclusion is. DeLong's figure is a bit simple, but perhaps it is accurate for the type specimen that he saw. I guess that for those specimens you have online as Atanus n.sp. or Atanus perspicillatus they should be identified as Atanus ?perspicillatus, following Andy's original ID. - Don Chandler pers. comments to Solomon Hendrix and Tom Murray
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Cicadellidae (Typical Leafhoppers)
- Subfamily
- Deltocephalinae
- Tribe
- Platymetopiini
- Genus
- Atanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Atanus perspicillatus (Osborn & Ball 1897)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Atanus perspicillatus. 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 Atanus perspicillatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica