Idiocerus tahotus
This record describes Idiocerus tahotus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Broad, short, and banded as in distinctus G. and B., but the female with two spots on the scutellum and male with distinct stripes on face. Form of distinctus nearly, but shorter and more robust. Female ultimate segment long, posterior margin produced and sinuated, the pygofers long and slender and exceeded by ovipositor about two and one-half times its width. Male antennal disk of moderate size, oval, on a short filament. Male ultimate segment with a broad, short median tooth. Color pale creamy, female without spots on vertex, male with a pair of faint spots on vertex and with vertex and pronotum washed with reddish brown. Elytra creamy, faintly tinged with brown back to the large reddishbrown saddle, a narrow ivory band back of claval areas and apical portions brownish. Male face with all stripes brown, the outer pair broader and darker. Antennal disk black. (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: Bray), Oregon, Washington
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Ribes aureum (red currant)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Idiocerus tahotus Ball & Parker, 1946
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Idiocerus tahotus. 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 tahotus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix
Frequently Asked Questions About Idiocerus tahotus
What is Idiocerus tahotus?
Idiocerus tahotus is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Idiocerus tahotus?
4mm
How do you identify Idiocerus tahotus?
Broad, short, and banded as in distinctus G. and B., but the female with two spots on the scutellum and male with distinct stripes on face. Form of distinctus nearly, but shorter and more robust. Female ultimate segment long, posterior margin produced and sinuated, the pygofers long and slender and exceeded by ovipositor about two and one-half times its width. Male antennal disk of moderate size, oval, on a short filament. Male ultimate segment with a broad, short median tooth. Color pale creamy, female without spots on vertex, male with a pair of faint spots on vertex and with vertex and pronotum washed with reddish brown. Elytra creamy, faintly tinged with brown back to the large reddishbrown saddle, a narrow ivory band back of claval areas and apical portions brownish. Male face with all stripes brown, the outer pair broader and darker. Antennal disk black. (Ball & Parker, 1946)
Where is Idiocerus tahotus found?
Range: California (type locality: Bray), Oregon, Washington
What does Idiocerus tahotus eat?
The diet of the Idiocerus tahotus includes Ribes aureum (red currant).