Thelaxes dryophila
This record describes Thelaxes dryophila (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The wingless stages of Thelaxes sp. are small (1-2.3 mm) oval and brown or greenish, sometimes with a paler stripe along the back. Their rostrum is distinctive in having a long and almost needle-like last rostral segment. The cauda is knobbed and the siphunculi are very short and virtually pore-like. There are three European Thelaxes species which feed on the young shoots, leaves and young acorns of various Oak species (Quercus). https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Thelaxes_dryophila_Common_oak_thelaxid.htm No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On Oak species (Quercus).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Uncommon or rarely recorded.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Thelaxes dryophila. 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.
