Hebetica sylviae
This record describes Hebetica sylviae (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Given the South American distributon of the genus, the non-native host plant (+ occurance of native Morus species in South America), and community science observational records expanding from its initial point of discovery, this species is likely introduced from temperate South America. This is contrary to the initial speculation that this species is native and switched from red mulberry to white mulberry at the time of white mulberry's introduction to the U.S. in the 1600's (and that this species was overlooked in the eastern U.S. throughout that time).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Membracidae (Typical Treehoppers)
- Subfamily
- Darninae
- Tribe
- Darnini
- Genus
- Hebetica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Described from KY , now found in many states of the southeastern U.S.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Morus alba (white mulberry)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hebetica sylviae (McKamey & Sullivan-Beckers, 2019)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Hebetica sylviae. 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 Hebetica sylviae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kyle Kittelberger; Additional contributions by v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebetica sylviae
What is Hebetica sylviae?
Hebetica sylviae is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Hebetica sylviae?
♂ 7.5-8.2 mm, ♀ 8.9-10.0 mm
Where is Hebetica sylviae found?
Range: Described from KY , now found in many states of the southeastern U.S.
What does Hebetica sylviae eat?
The diet of the Hebetica sylviae includes Morus alba (white mulberry).