Metadelphax propinqua
This record describes Metadelphax propinqua (species). Recorded family: Delphacidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
head narrow; wings have a dark mark where they meet over abdomen; large leaflike calcar (spur) on hind leg [adapted from K.G.A. Hamilton's comments] earliest NA record: CA 1880 ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Delphacoidea
- Family
- Delphacidae (Delphacid Planthoppers)
- Subfamily
- Delphacinae
- Tribe
- Delphacini
- Genus
- Metadelphax
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan (esp. in tropics and warm temperate regions); adventive in the New World (Canada to Argentina), native to w. Palaearctic and so. Asia
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported on ~15 grass species, incl. sugarcane, barley, Bermuda grass, maize, and rice
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Metadelphax propinqua (Fieber 1866)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Metadelphax propinqua. 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 Metadelphax propinqua (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Metadelphax propinqua
What is Metadelphax propinqua?
Metadelphax propinqua is a species in the family Delphacidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Metadelphax propinqua?
head narrow; wings have a dark mark where they meet over abdomen; large leaflike calcar (spur) on hind leg [adapted from K.G.A. Hamilton's comments]
Where is Metadelphax propinqua found?
Range: cosmopolitan (esp. in tropics and warm temperate regions); adventive in the New World (Canada to Argentina), native to w. Palaearctic and so. Asia
What does Metadelphax propinqua eat?
The diet of the Metadelphax propinqua includes reported on ~15 grass species, incl. sugarcane, barley, Bermuda grass, maize, and rice.