Idiocerus musteus
This record describes Idiocerus musteus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Typical musteus , the Pacific coastal subspecies, is characterized by the heads of both sexes being marked only by the black coronal maculae. The Cordilleran subspecies verrucosus Ball usually has the heads extensivelv darkened; males (Figs. 1-2) have at least a trace off markings between the ocelli and the coronal maculae; females have a row of 4 pale spots (Fig. 5) that may be confluent when the dark markings are restricted (Fig. 6). Some individuals of both sexes of verrucosus have the facial markings so pale that they are scarcely traceable. This contrasts with females of arsiniatus , which always have characteristic linear dark markings below the coronal maculae (Fig. 7). Males of arsinatus , cannot always be distinguished from those of the other subspecies except by their distribution. - Hamilton, 1985
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
- Eurymelinae
- Tribe
- Idiocerini
- Genus
- Idiocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Idiocerus musteus Ball 1902
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Idiocerus musteus. 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 Idiocerus musteus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Idiocerus musteus
What is Idiocerus musteus?
Idiocerus musteus is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Idiocerus musteus?
5mm
How do you identify Idiocerus musteus?
Typical musteus , the Pacific coastal subspecies, is characterized by the heads of both sexes being marked only by the black coronal maculae. The Cordilleran subspecies verrucosus Ball usually has the heads extensivelv darkened; males (Figs. 1-2) have at least a trace off markings between the ocelli and the coronal maculae; females have a row of 4 pale spots (Fig. 5) that may be confluent when the dark markings are restricted (Fig. 6). Some individuals of both sexes of verrucosus have the facial markings so pale that they are scarcely traceable. This contrasts with females of arsiniatus , which always have characteristic linear dark markings below the coronal maculae (Fig. 7). Males of arsinatus , cannot always be distinguished from those of the other subspecies except by their distribution. - Hamilton, 1985