Cyptocephala elegans
This record describes Cyptocephala elegans (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished from all congeners by its striking green and white markings and much elongated head. The head of T. brevis is much broader. (Malloch 1919) Type Locality: male, Loma, Texas, July 7, 1908. Allotype Locality: Lake Lomalta, Tex, November 27, 1910. These localities are likely a reference to Loma Alta Lake (25.987973, -97.422934) along the Old Port Isabel road northeast of Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pentatominae
- Tribe
- Pentatomini
- Genus
- Cyptocephala
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
coastal TX, s FL / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map (David A. Rider, 2010, pers. comm. to MAQ)
Seasonal Activity
Aug-Nov in US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Chenopodiaceae (David A. Rider, pers. comm., 2010)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cyptocephala elegans. 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 Cyptocephala elegans (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyptocephala elegans
What is Cyptocephala elegans?
Cyptocephala elegans is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Cyptocephala elegans?
6-7 mm (Malloch 1919)
How do you identify Cyptocephala elegans?
distinguished from all congeners by its striking green and white markings and much elongated head. The head of T. brevis is much broader. (Malloch 1919)
Where is Cyptocephala elegans found?
Range: coastal TX, s FL / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map (David A. Rider, 2010, pers. comm. to MAQ)
What does Cyptocephala elegans eat?
The diet of the Cyptocephala elegans includes Chenopodiaceae (David A. Rider, pers. comm., 2010).
When is Cyptocephala elegans active?
Cyptocephala elegans: seasonal activity - Aug-Nov in US.