Robertson's Flightless Planthopper
Fitchiella robertsonii
This record describes Fitchiella robertsonii (species). Recorded family: Caliscelidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
considered for conservation in several Midwestern states ( IL , WI , Bess 2005 ) What once was lost, now is found: ecology of an elusive ball-nosed planthopper, Fitchiella robertsonii (Hemiptera: Caliscelidae), from tallgrass prairie - Marlin Rice and MJ Hatfield
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Fulgoroidea
- Family
- Caliscelidae (Piglet Bugs)
- Tribe
- Peltonotellini
- Genus
- Fitchiella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
prairies, high quality, native grassland remnants
Geographic Range
e. US (NY-FL to KS-TX) & ON; the only eastern representative of the genus
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Indian Grass ( Sorghastrum nutans )
Life History
typically bivoltine
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Fitchiella robertsonii (Fitch 1856)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Fitchiella robertsonii. 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 Robertson's Flightless Planthopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by MJ Hatfield , v belov , marcie oconnor , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Robertson's Flightless Planthopper
What is Robertson's Flightless Planthopper?
Robertson's Flightless Planthopper (Fitchiella robertsonii) is a species in the family Caliscelidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Robertson's Flightless Planthopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | prairies, high quality, native grassland remnants |
| Range | e. US (NY-FL to KS-TX) & ON; the only eastern representative of the genus |
What does Robertson's Flightless Planthopper eat?
The diet of the Robertson's Flightless Planthopper includes Indian Grass ( Sorghastrum nutans ).
What is the life cycle of a Robertson's Flightless Planthopper?
typically bivoltine