Empoa albicans
This record describes Empoa albicans (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only species in this genus on birch that has the head narrower than the thorax. [comment by Andy Hamilton]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Cicadellidae (Typical Leafhoppers)
- Subfamily
- Typhlocybinae
- Tribe
- Typhlocybini
- Genus
- Empoa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (NF-ON-SD to MA-OH-MS)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper birch)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Empoa albicans (Walsh 1862)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Empoa albicans. 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 Empoa albicans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov , TurtleDude , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Empoa albicans
What is Empoa albicans?
Empoa albicans is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Empoa albicans found?
Range: e. NA (NF-ON-SD to MA-OH-MS)
What does Empoa albicans eat?
The diet of the Empoa albicans includes Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper birch).