Microcentrus nicholi
This record describes Microcentrus nicholi (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Much smaller and more fragile than lynx , with small slender superhumerals in the female and only low carinae in the males. Color yellowish testaceous. Face short, sharply retreating on a line below the eyes, thus appearing still shorter. Projections on the upper margin above the ocelli broadly angularly protuberant. Metapodium with a definite shelf back of frontal projections, then upright to the truncated-cone-like dorsum, the margins slightly carinated and dark lined in the male, the lateral margins obliquely elevated into long triangular projections which are again dark lined in the female. Posterior process short as in caryae , only slightly exceeding the forks of the scutellum. Elytra with the clavus and the corium back to the cross nervures entirely coriaceous and heavily pustulate, beyond this point hyaline. The ovipositor and pygofers are extremely long and slender and the female segment is only broadly excavated. Color testaceous, paler behind the superhumerals and across the base of the clavus, the posterior process white with a black tip. (Ball, 1933) Type Locality: Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Membracidae (Typical Treehoppers)
- Subfamily
- Stegaspidinae
- Tribe
- Microcentrini
- Genus
- Microcentrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ / Mex. (Durango) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pinus leiophylla (Chihuahua pine)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Microcentrus nicholi Ball, 1933
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Microcentrus nicholi. 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 Microcentrus nicholi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Microcentrus nicholi
What is Microcentrus nicholi?
Microcentrus nicholi is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Microcentrus nicholi?
6-7mm
How do you identify Microcentrus nicholi?
Much smaller and more fragile than lynx , with small slender superhumerals in the female and only low carinae in the males. Color yellowish testaceous. Face short, sharply retreating on a line below the eyes, thus appearing still shorter. Projections on the upper margin above the ocelli broadly angularly protuberant. Metapodium with a definite shelf back of frontal projections, then upright to the truncated-cone-like dorsum, the margins slightly carinated and dark lined in the male, the lateral margins obliquely elevated into long triangular projections which are again dark lined in the female. Posterior process short as in caryae , only slightly exceeding the forks of the scutellum. Elytra with the clavus and the corium back to the cross nervures entirely coriaceous and heavily pustulate, beyond this point hyaline. The ovipositor and pygofers are extremely long and slender and the female segment is only broadly excavated. Color testaceous, paler behind the superhumerals and across the base of the clavus, the posterior process white with a black tip. (Ball, 1933)
Where is Microcentrus nicholi found?
Range: AZ / Mex. (Durango) - Map
What does Microcentrus nicholi eat?
The diet of the Microcentrus nicholi includes Pinus leiophylla (Chihuahua pine).