Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus
This record describes Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus (species). Recorded family: Psyllidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
General color ranging from green to yellow to red, wings semihyaline, fumate apically, apical margin alternating black and white, sometimes with black spot at apex of clavus; forewings sometimes covered in a white waxy bloom.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Psylloidea
- Family
- Psyllidae
- Subfamily
- Psyllinae
- Genus
- Nyctiphalerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Ceanothus spp. (Rhamnaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus (Crawford, 1914)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus. 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 Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus
What is Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus?
Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus is a species in the family Psyllidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus?
3-3.25mm
How do you identify Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus?
General color ranging from green to yellow to red, wings semihyaline, fumate apically, apical margin alternating black and white, sometimes with black spot at apex of clavus; forewings sometimes covered in a white waxy bloom.
Where is Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus found?
Range: sw. US
What does Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus eat?
The diet of the Nyctiphalerus vermiculosus includes Hosts: Ceanothus spp. (Rhamnaceae).