Menosoma cinctum
This record describes Menosoma cinctum (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. Kyle Kittelberger, 2025 Described from numerous examples of both sexes collected at Ames, Iowa, two specimens from Texas (Aaron), and one from Washington, D. C. (Heideman).
Identification notes
Det. Kyle Kittelberger, 2025
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
- Deltocephalinae
- Tribe
- Bahitini
- Genus
- Menosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US to S. Amer. - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Jun-Oct. (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Menosoma cinctum (Osborn & Ball 1898)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Menosoma cinctum. 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 Menosoma cinctum (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tom Bentley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , marcie oconnor , TurtleDude
Frequently Asked Questions About Menosoma cinctum
What is Menosoma cinctum?
Menosoma cinctum is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Menosoma cinctum?
5.3-6 mm
How do you identify Menosoma cinctum?
Det. Kyle Kittelberger, 2025
Where is Menosoma cinctum found?
Range: e. US to S. Amer. - Map
When is Menosoma cinctum active?
Menosoma cinctum: seasonal activity - mostly: Jun-Oct. (BG data).