Metcracis fusca
This record describes Metcracis fusca (species). Recorded family: Flatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
In M. fusca at least, frons with a dark band on anterior third
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Fulgoroidea
- Family
- Flatidae (Flatid Planthoppers)
- Subfamily
- Flatoidinae
- Genus
- Metcracis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (CA-TX), Mexico (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Acacia greggii, Mimosa aculeaticarpa (Fabaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Metcracis fusca (Van Duzee)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Metcracis fusca. 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 Metcracis fusca (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ron M.; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Metcracis fusca
What is Metcracis fusca?
Metcracis fusca is a species in the family Flatidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Metcracis fusca?
In M. fusca at least, frons with a dark band on anterior third
Where is Metcracis fusca found?
Range: sw. US (CA-TX), Mexico (BG data)
What does Metcracis fusca eat?
The diet of the Metcracis fusca includes hosts: Acacia greggii, Mimosa aculeaticarpa (Fabaceae) ( 3 ).