Variegated Cactus Dodger
Cacama variegata
This record describes Cacama variegata (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
NOTE: reddish-brown coloration to the pronotum and posterior edging distinctly reddish-brown TL - San Benito, Texas Refer to pages 68-79 for details on th Cacama spp. in the USA (variegata p. 73) Common and alert!
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
Arid Scrub, Scrub adj. to coastal marshes, and mixed habitats in se. TX
Geographic Range
se. Texas and adj. ne. Mexico ("Rio Grande Basin") TL - "San Benito, Texas"
Seasonal Activity
Early (April-May)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Likely various
Life History
Lit. review has not been revealing
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cacama variegata. 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 Variegated Cactus Dodger (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bill Reynolds; Additional contributions by David Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Variegated Cactus Dodger
What is Variegated Cactus Dodger?
Variegated Cactus Dodger (Cacama variegata) is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Variegated Cactus Dodger?
NOTE: reddish-brown coloration to the pronotum and posterior edging distinctly reddish-brown TL - San Benito, Texas Refer to pages 68-79 for details on th Cacama spp. in the USA (variegata p. 73)
Where is Variegated Cactus Dodger found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Arid Scrub, Scrub adj. to coastal marshes, and mixed habitats in se. TX |
| Range | se. Texas and adj. ne. Mexico (Rio Grande Basin) TL - San Benito, Texas |
What does Variegated Cactus Dodger eat?
The diet of the Variegated Cactus Dodger includes Likely various.
When is Variegated Cactus Dodger active?
Variegated Cactus Dodger: seasonal activity - Early (April-May).
What is the life cycle of a Variegated Cactus Dodger?
Lit. review has not been revealing