Idiocerus taiga
This record describes Idiocerus taiga (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The type-specimen of taiga most closely resembles cedrus and morosus in size and colour, but has darker facial markings and a distinctly larger antennal disc with a long apical filament. This species has the largest antennal discs relative to the antennal length of any species in the genus, slightly larger even than those of rotundens . Since this species is known from a single individual, the possibility that it represents a hybrid must be examined. The only similar species that are known to be sympatric are alternatus , striolus , xanthiops , and femoratus . Only femoratus has similarly shaped antennal discs with long apical filaments as in taiga , and only xanthiops has a short antenna as in taiga . However, hybrids between xanthiops and femoratus are ruled out, because taiga has much larger stylar setae than those of these two species. Thus this specimen is unlikely to be a hybrid. The abdominal apodemes may not be fully developed in the holotype. The host record is likewise dubious. - Hamilton, 1980
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
Known from a single specimen collected in Alberta.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Collected on Betula glandulosa (American dwarf birch), but this is an unlikely host
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Idiocerus taiga Hamilton, 1980
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Idiocerus taiga. 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 taiga (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix
Frequently Asked Questions About Idiocerus taiga
What is Idiocerus taiga?
Idiocerus taiga is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Idiocerus taiga?
The type-specimen of taiga most closely resembles cedrus and morosus in size and colour, but has darker facial markings and a distinctly larger antennal disc with a long apical filament. This species has the largest antennal discs relative to the antennal length of any species in the genus, slightly larger even than those of rotundens . Since this species is known from a single individual, the possibility that it represents a hybrid must be examined. The only similar species that are known to be sympatric are alternatus , striolus , xanthiops , and femoratus . Only femoratus has similarly shaped antennal discs with long apical filaments as in taiga , and only xanthiops has a short antenna as in taiga . However, hybrids between xanthiops and femoratus are ruled out, because taiga has much larger stylar setae than those of these two species. Thus this specimen is unlikely to be a hybrid. The abdominal apodemes may not be fully developed in the holotype. The host record is likewise dubious. - Hamilton, 1980
Where is Idiocerus taiga found?
Range: Known from a single specimen collected in Alberta.
What does Idiocerus taiga eat?
The diet of the Idiocerus taiga includes Collected on Betula glandulosa (American dwarf birch), but this is an unlikely host.