Diceroprocta semicincta
This record describes Diceroprocta semicincta (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Basic characters include: Eyes: Described as tan to greyish (rarely if ever rust-colored) Body: VARIABLE - Usually dark, dorasl brown coloration may be visible Pronotal Collar: Hind margin of pronotum or collar with anterior portion blackish and posterior portion pale . This description sounds as though the pronotal collar is divided (?). There has been issue with interpretation of Davis' original descriptions regarding this trait in both apache & semicincta. Mesonotum: Near black/dark with little evidence of brown pattern (variable) Abdomen: There is a well developed pruinose ring on the terminal abdominal segments Opercula: Descibed as pointed with the terminal points being noticeably more extended and often CONVERGENT (= the tips are said to be clearly curved and pointing inward towards one another). Since there is debate regarding interpretations of opercular characters, the details need further study. SIZE: Said to be slightly smaller than D. apache - (??) NOTE: Some of the IMAGES under this taxon may be MISIDENTIFIED and in need of review! Based on morphological characteristics, call similarities, and distribution patterns, the following three taxa appear to be closely related and easily confused. Diceroprocta apache Diceroprocta cinctifera Diceroprocta semicincta Another species with a similar call Diceroprocta marevagans For details on cinctifera, apache & semicincta, please refer to the following: Journal of the N.Y. Entomol. Soc. XXXVI, Dec. 1928, pp. 439–457
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
- Fidicinini
- Genus
- Diceroprocta (Scrub Cicadas)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Most information suggests Diceroprocta semicincta has a more limited and southerly distribution than does D. apache and occurs in the Sonoran Desert region around "Tuscon, AZ" (incl. Pima, Santa Cruz & Cochise Counties). Reports and collection records also suggest this taxon is the most common Diceroprocta species found in and collected around Tucson. The degree of range overlap between and among several of theses similar species is not well known. Based on collection records, D. apache & D. semicincta seem to have significant range overlap; however, more work is needed to fully understand how these taxa relate, are to be separated and where they naturally occur. It is important to mention, given misidentifications and confusions regarding separation of similar taxa, the distributions of several of these western Diceroprocta species remains suspect and incomplete.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Diceroprocta semicincta. 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 Diceroprocta semicincta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Bill Reynolds
Frequently Asked Questions About Diceroprocta semicincta
What is Diceroprocta semicincta?
Diceroprocta semicincta is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Diceroprocta semicincta?
Basic characters include: Eyes: Described as tan to greyish (rarely if ever rust-colored) Body: VARIABLE - Usually dark, dorasl brown coloration may be visible Pronotal Collar: Hind margin of pronotum or collar with anterior portion blackish and posterior portion pale . This description sounds as though the pronotal collar is divided (?). There has been issue with interpretation of Davis' original descriptions regarding this trait in both apache & semicincta. Mesonotum: Near black/dark with little evidence of brown pattern (variable) Abdomen: There is a well developed pruinose ring on the terminal abdominal segments Opercula: Descibed as pointed with the terminal points being noticeably more extended and often CONVERGENT (= the tips are said to be clearly curved and pointing inward towards one another). Since there is debate regarding interpretations of opercular characters, the details need further study. SIZE: Said to be slightly smaller than D. apache - (??) NOTE: Some of the IMAGES under this taxon may be MISIDENTIFIED and in need of review! Based on morphological characteristics, call similarities, and distribution patterns, the following three taxa appear to be closely related and easily confused. Diceroprocta apache Diceroprocta cinctifera Diceroprocta semicincta Another species with a similar call Diceroprocta marevagans For details on cinctifera, apache & semicincta, please refer to the following: Journal of the N.Y. Entomol. Soc. XXXVI, Dec. 1928, pp. 439–457
Where is Diceroprocta semicincta found?
Range: Most information suggests Diceroprocta semicincta has a more limited and southerly distribution than does D. apache and occurs in the Sonoran Desert region around Tuscon, AZ (incl. Pima, Santa Cruz & Cochise Counties). Reports and collection records also suggest this taxon is the most common Diceroprocta species found in and collected around Tucson. The degree of range overlap between and among several of theses similar species is not well known. Based on collection records, D. apache & D. semicincta seem to have significant range overlap; however, more work is needed to fully understand how these taxa relate, are to be separated and where they naturally occur. It is important to mention, given misidentifications and confusions regarding separation of similar taxa, the distributions of several of these western Diceroprocta species remains suspect and incomplete.