Idiocerus obispanus
This record describes Idiocerus obispanus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Smaller than ensiger Ball, with the median lobe of the male segment as long as the lateral lobes. Rufous, the male face with a broad median black stripe. Face in profile retreating but rounded and somewhat inflated above in both sexes, though not nearly so inflated as that of verrucosus Ball which it somewhat resembles. Differing from verrucosus by the presence of male antennal discs. Female ultimate segment short, sinuately rounded, pygofers moderately long and exceeded by the stout ovipositor about one and onehalf times its own width. Male ultimate segment short, the lateral lobes no longer than the median lobe, plates triangularly widened at the base, pygofers small, broadly rounded behind. Male antennal disc long and narrow, on a long filament. Color uniform pale cinnamon above and below except for the spots on vertex, about four irregular ones on pronotum, the large black triangles on male scutellum and a broad black stripe down the male face. The female may be almost entirely tawny with a cinnamon ovipositor set off by white margins to the pygofers. The darker examples have white circles around the spots on vertex. Male pygofers are creamy on the basal half and cinnamon beyond with a pair of black spots on the outer margins at the base. (Ball & Parker, 1946)
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.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California (type locality: San Luis Obispo)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Salix (willow)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Idiocerus obispanus Ball & Parker, 1946
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Idiocerus obispanus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Idiocerus obispanus
What is Idiocerus obispanus?
Idiocerus obispanus is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Idiocerus obispanus?
5mm
How do you identify Idiocerus obispanus?
Smaller than ensiger Ball, with the median lobe of the male segment as long as the lateral lobes. Rufous, the male face with a broad median black stripe. Face in profile retreating but rounded and somewhat inflated above in both sexes, though not nearly so inflated as that of verrucosus Ball which it somewhat resembles. Differing from verrucosus by the presence of male antennal discs. Female ultimate segment short, sinuately rounded, pygofers moderately long and exceeded by the stout ovipositor about one and onehalf times its own width. Male ultimate segment short, the lateral lobes no longer than the median lobe, plates triangularly widened at the base, pygofers small, broadly rounded behind. Male antennal disc long and narrow, on a long filament. Color uniform pale cinnamon above and below except for the spots on vertex, about four irregular ones on pronotum, the large black triangles on male scutellum and a broad black stripe down the male face. The female may be almost entirely tawny with a cinnamon ovipositor set off by white margins to the pygofers. The darker examples have white circles around the spots on vertex. Male pygofers are creamy on the basal half and cinnamon beyond with a pair of black spots on the outer margins at the base. (Ball & Parker, 1946)
Where is Idiocerus obispanus found?
Range: California (type locality: San Luis Obispo)
What does Idiocerus obispanus eat?
The diet of the Idiocerus obispanus includes Salix (willow).