Idiocerus pictus
This record describes Idiocerus pictus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Differs from [ Idiocerus amoemus ] in being darker in color; vertex and face above marked with brown and irrorate with pale; pronotum and scutelIutn chestnut brown; elytra smoky with a broad whitish transverse band across the middle of the clavus followed by a band of deeper chestnut brown; oviduct fuscous-brown. (Van Duzee, 1917)
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: Niles Canyon)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Idiocerus pictus Van Duzee, 1917
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Idiocerus pictus. 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 pictus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix
Frequently Asked Questions About Idiocerus pictus
What is Idiocerus pictus?
Idiocerus pictus is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Idiocerus pictus?
Differs from [ Idiocerus amoemus ] in being darker in color; vertex and face above marked with brown and irrorate with pale; pronotum and scutelIutn chestnut brown; elytra smoky with a broad whitish transverse band across the middle of the clavus followed by a band of deeper chestnut brown; oviduct fuscous-brown. (Van Duzee, 1917)
Where is Idiocerus pictus found?
Range: California (type locality: Niles Canyon)
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