Bactericera lavaterae
This record describes Bactericera lavaterae (species). Recorded family: Triozidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California ( 3 ) . Native to the Channel Islands, now found on the mainland from San Diego to San Francisco where its host has been introduced.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Island Mallow (Malvaceae: Lavatera assurgentiflora )
Life History
Adults and nymphs may be found on the ventral surfaces of leaves and on younger buds and flowers; nymphs may be found in blister-like depressions on the leaves which they create, often causing the leaves to curl. Severe infestations sometimes results in the death of its host. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bactericera lavaterae (Van Duzee, 1924)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Bactericera lavaterae. 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 Bactericera lavaterae (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Bactericera lavaterae
Where is Bactericera lavaterae found?
Range: California ( 3 ) . Native to the Channel Islands, now found on the mainland from San Diego to San Francisco where its host has been introduced.
What does Bactericera lavaterae eat?
The diet of the Bactericera lavaterae includes Island Mallow (Malvaceae: Lavatera assurgentiflora ).
What is the life cycle of a Bactericera lavaterae?
Adults and nymphs may be found on the ventral surfaces of leaves and on younger buds and flowers; nymphs may be found in blister-like depressions on the leaves which they create, often causing the leaves to curl. Severe infestations sometimes results in the death of its host. ( 4 )