Fitchana vitellina
This record describes Fitchana vitellina (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
head yellow, moderately pointed, with greenish eyes in live individuals; scutellum yellow centrally, brown laterally; forewing light brown with numerous clear spots; dark oblique band at base, and another near middle of wing (each band forms a V shape in dorsal view of insect at rest); legs yellowish, darker at joints page creation based on Andy Hamilton's identification of this image
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
- Deltocephalinae
- Tribe
- Platymetopiini
- Genus
- Fitchana
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
old mesic fields
Geographic Range
northeastern United States and southeastern Canada
Seasonal Activity
June through August
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Fitchana vitellina. 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 Fitchana vitellina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by marcie oconnor , TurtleDude
Frequently Asked Questions About Fitchana vitellina
What is Fitchana vitellina?
Fitchana vitellina is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Fitchana vitellina?
head yellow, moderately pointed, with greenish eyes in live individuals; scutellum yellow centrally, brown laterally; forewing light brown with numerous clear spots; dark oblique band at base, and another near middle of wing (each band forms a V shape in dorsal view of insect at rest); legs yellowish, darker at joints
Where is Fitchana vitellina found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | old mesic fields |
| Range | northeastern United States and southeastern Canada |
When is Fitchana vitellina active?
Fitchana vitellina: seasonal activity - June through August.