Fig Psylla
Homotoma ficus
This record describes Homotoma ficus (species). Recorded family: Homotomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
introduced outside its native range with cultivated fig trees
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Psylloidea
- Family
- Homotomidae
- Genus
- Homotoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Mediterranean, adventive in NA (CA)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Ficus (Moraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Homotoma ficus (Linné 1758)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Homotoma ficus. 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 Fig Psylla (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Fig Psylla
What is Fig Psylla?
Fig Psylla (Homotoma ficus) is a species in the family Homotomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Fig Psylla?
♂ 3.25-3.55 mm, ♀ 3.50-3.80 mm
Where is Fig Psylla found?
Range: native to the Mediterranean, adventive in NA (CA)
What does Fig Psylla eat?
The diet of the Fig Psylla includes hosts: Ficus (Moraceae).