HemipteraCicadidae – Cicadas

Cacama collinaplaga

This record describes Cacama collinaplaga (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Refer to the following similar species: Cacama variegata Davis 1919 Cacama valvata (Uhler 1888) Cacama moorei sp. n. Sanborn & M. Heath It has been mentioned and noted by some cicada specialists, that C. collinaplaga is morphologically, as well as geographically, intermediate between Cacama variegata Davis 1919 and Cacama valvata (Uhler 1888) . In support, the calls of all three are similar and may not be easily differentiated. There is some thought these taxa may be conspecific and representative of a cline. (??) Observations also suggest the morphology and call of Cacama moorei sp. n. Sanborn & M. Heath to be very similar to those of the afore-mentioned. Although currently considered to be separate taxa (based on morphology and geography), detailed genetic analysis of the 4 species may resolve some of the lingering questions.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Auchenorrhyncha
Superfamily
Cicadoidea
Family
Cicadidae (Cicadas)
Subfamily
Cicadinae
Tribe
Tacuini
Genus
Cacama (Cactus Dodgers)

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Scrub in the central Texas "hills"

Geographic Range

Central Texas "hill country" - Confirmed Often confused with related taxa (C. valvata & C. variegata with which ther may be geographic overlap). May possibly occur in adj. Oklahoma (??), w. Arkansas & s. Kansas extending west into the eastern range of C. valvata. (??)

Seasonal Activity

May-early July

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Associated with Cacti ( Opuntia )

Life History

Unknown but likely taking several years and most closely associated with cacti ( Opuntia & allied Genera)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Cacama collinaplaga Sanborn & M. Heath 2011

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cacama collinaplaga. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cacama collinaplaga

What is Cacama collinaplaga?

Cacama collinaplaga is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.

Where is Cacama collinaplaga found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatScrub in the central Texas hills
RangeCentral Texas hill country - Confirmed Often confused with related taxa (C. valvata & C. variegata with which ther may be geographic overlap). May possibly occur in adj. Oklahoma (??), w. Arkansas & s. Kansas extending west into the eastern range of C. valvata. (??)
What does Cacama collinaplaga eat?

The diet of the Cacama collinaplaga includes Associated with Cacti ( Opuntia ).

When is Cacama collinaplaga active?

Cacama collinaplaga: seasonal activity - May-early July.

What is the life cycle of a Cacama collinaplaga?

Unknown but likely taking several years and most closely associated with cacti ( Opuntia & allied Genera)