Athysanus argentarius
This record describes Athysanus argentarius (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6.5 to 8 mm. A large pale leafhopper with a distinctve dark line across the front of the vertex, connecting the eyes. Good photos in the field or from a specimen, showing vertex Common. Historically considered scarce and confined to coastal areas in the south-east, this species has now become established inland across parts of central and southern England. (ref. (ref.: UK Auchenorrhyncha checklist 2021 and British Bugs webpage for the species; link below) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/homoptera/Cicadellidae/Athysanus_argentarius.html
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
- Athysanini
- Genus
- Athysanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
grassland.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on grasses.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common. Historically considered scarce and confined to coastal areas in the south-east, this species has now become established inland across parts of central and southern England. (ref. (ref.:
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Athysanus argentarius. 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 Athysanus argentarius (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Athysanus argentarius
What is Athysanus argentarius?
Athysanus argentarius is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Athysanus argentarius?
6.5 to 8 mm. A large pale leafhopper with a distinctve dark line across the front of the vertex, connecting the eyes.
Where is Athysanus argentarius found?
Habitat: grassland.
When is Athysanus argentarius active?
Athysanus argentarius: seasonal activity - Adult: June to September..
What is the life cycle of a Athysanus argentarius?
Feeds on grasses.