Flexamia areolata
This record describes Flexamia areolata (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The habitus is unique frequently sits in a head-down position (BG data)
Identification notes
The habitus is unique
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
- Paralimnini
- Genus
- Flexamia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: a specialist on lovegrass, Eragrostis spectabilis ; the "eye spots" mimic the little black seeds of the grass.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The circular, darkly pigmented area surrounding a nipple
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Flexamia areolata. 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 Flexamia areolata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Flexamia areolata
What is Flexamia areolata?
Flexamia areolata is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Flexamia areolata?
The habitus is unique
Where is Flexamia areolata found?
Range: e. US - Map
What does Flexamia areolata eat?
The diet of the Flexamia areolata includes a specialist on lovegrass, Eragrostis spectabilis ; the eye spots mimic the little black seeds of the grass..