Neomegamelanus lautus
This record describes Neomegamelanus lautus (species). Recorded family: Delphacidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The head is as long as the eye. Males are mottled black, females are pale. Head about twice as long as wide at base; upper hind corner of anal segment produced into a lobe; a single pair of curved fang-like processes arising from about the middle of the hind margin
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
- Neomegamelanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coastal salt marshes (see host)
Geographic Range
coastal TX to e. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host is cordgrass; Spartina spp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Megamelanus lautus Metcalf, 1923
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Neomegamelanus lautus. 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 Neomegamelanus lautus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Graham M
Frequently Asked Questions About Neomegamelanus lautus
What is Neomegamelanus lautus?
Neomegamelanus lautus is a species in the family Delphacidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Neomegamelanus lautus?
The head is as long as the eye. Males are mottled black, females are pale. Head about twice as long as wide at base; upper hind corner of anal segment produced into a lobe; a single pair of curved fang-like processes arising from about the middle of the hind margin
Where is Neomegamelanus lautus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal salt marshes (see host) |
| Range | coastal TX to e. Mex. - Map |
What does Neomegamelanus lautus eat?
The diet of the Neomegamelanus lautus includes host is cordgrass; Spartina spp..