Hortensia similis
This record describes Hortensia similis (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinctive pattern of black dots and lines on top of head; several longitudinal lines run most of length of forewing, with a band of 4 clear or grayish cells at apex; anterior half of pronotum with black markings, posterior half unmarked; scutellum triangular with several small black dots and lines
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
- Cicadellinae
- Tribe
- Cicadellini
- Genus
- Hortensia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
vegetation surrounding sugar cane plantations, in citrus orchards, commercial bean fields...
Geographic Range
so. US (FL-?CA) to S. America
Diet and Behavior
Diet: may feed on citrus trees; also on leaves of Vigna unguiculata
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hortensia similis (Walker 1851)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Hortensia similis. 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 Hortensia similis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Hortensia similis
What is Hortensia similis?
Hortensia similis is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Hortensia similis?
5-10 mm
How do you identify Hortensia similis?
distinctive pattern of black dots and lines on top of head; several longitudinal lines run most of length of forewing, with a band of 4 clear or grayish cells at apex; anterior half of pronotum with black markings, posterior half unmarked; scutellum triangular with several small black dots and lines
Where is Hortensia similis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | vegetation surrounding sugar cane plantations, in citrus orchards, commercial bean fields... |
| Range | so. US (FL-?CA) to S. America |
What does Hortensia similis eat?
The diet of the Hortensia similis includes may feed on citrus trees; also on leaves of Vigna unguiculata.