Macrosteles sardus
This record describes Macrosteles sardus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3-4mm. Macrosteles is an extremely difficult and diverse genus. The vertex has several dark spots or bars and the frons has dark markings; both features are variable. The forewings are greyish or green-yellow, often with brown longitudinal streaks, patches or stripes, but colour and amount of the darker markings varies. Dissection of the male to examine the internal genitalia - the aedeagus - or the internal abdominal structure - sternal apodemes - is needed to identify. Dissection required, male aedeagus is characteristic. Associated with Great Hairy Willowherb ( Epilobium hirsutum ) in damp habitats. Discovered in southern Britain in 2020. Appears to be spreading. Bloomfield, J et al (2024). Macrosteles sardus (Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) new to Britain. Br.J.Ent.Nat.Hist. 37 73-82
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Cicadellidae
- Genus
- Macrosteles
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with Great Hairy Willowherb (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Discovered in southern Britain in 2020. Appears to be spreading.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Macrosteles sardus. 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 Macrosteles sardus (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Macrosteles sardus
What is Macrosteles sardus?
Macrosteles sardus is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Macrosteles sardus?
3-4mm.
Where is Macrosteles sardus found?
Habitat: Associated with Great Hairy Willowherb (