Idiocerus taxodium
This record describes Idiocerus taxodium (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Resembling nervatus in general appearance and coloration but smaller and more robust, dark green with a bright irridescent tinge. Male antennal discs black, elongated, constricted basally and apically, and bearing a flagellum at apex which is almost twice as long as disc. Color: Vertex, pronotum and scutellum dark green, basal angles of latter usually with a yellowish spot. |
| Eyes | Eyes bright red even in preserved material. |
| Elytra | Elytra subhyaline, with a bright bronze iridescent tinge, often smoky at tip, green of abdomen showing through. Sutural veins green. Face washed with yellow, venter green. Genitalia: Female last ventral segment slightly roundingly produced. Male valve with a roundingly produced tooth at middle. (DeLong, 1924) |
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
Florida (type locality: Paradise Key)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Toxodium distichum (bald cypress)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Idiocerus taxodium DeLong, 1924
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Idiocerus taxodium. 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 taxodium
What is Idiocerus taxodium?
Idiocerus taxodium is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Idiocerus taxodium?
4mm
How do you identify Idiocerus taxodium?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Resembling nervatus in general appearance and coloration but smaller and more robust, dark green with a bright irridescent tinge. Male antennal discs black, elongated, constricted basally and apically, and bearing a flagellum at apex which is almost twice as long as disc. Color: Vertex, pronotum and scutellum dark green, basal angles of latter usually with a yellowish spot. |
| Eyes | Eyes bright red even in preserved material. |
| Elytra | Elytra subhyaline, with a bright bronze iridescent tinge, often smoky at tip, green of abdomen showing through. Sutural veins green. Face washed with yellow, venter green. Genitalia: Female last ventral segment slightly roundingly produced. Male valve with a roundingly produced tooth at middle. (DeLong, 1924) |
Where is Idiocerus taxodium found?
Range: Florida (type locality: Paradise Key)
What does Idiocerus taxodium eat?
The diet of the Idiocerus taxodium includes Toxodium distichum (bald cypress).