Okanagana balli
This record describes Okanagana balli (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Allopatric, with no confusing species. Gerry Bunker, a well versed cicada specialist, provided the following commentary and information. Okanagana balli is the only Okanagana species known to exist at the James Woodworth Prairie & is currently protected at this site in Illinois. For more info on O. balli at the James Woodworth Prairie please refer to the following link. http://www.uic.edu/depts/bios/prairie/cicada_files/frame.htm
Identification notes
Allopatric, with no confusing species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cicadoidea
- Family
- Cicadidae (Cicadas)
- Subfamily
- Tibicininae
- Tribe
- Tibicinini
- Genus
- Okanagana
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Habitat specialist of tallgrass prairie
Geographic Range
Concentrated in Illinois, but extends to surrounding states
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Okanagana balli. 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 Okanagana balli (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bill Reynolds; Additional contributions by Will Chatfield-Taylor
Frequently Asked Questions About Okanagana balli
What is Okanagana balli?
Okanagana balli is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Okanagana balli?
Allopatric, with no confusing species.
Where is Okanagana balli found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Habitat specialist of tallgrass prairie |
| Range | Concentrated in Illinois, but extends to surrounding states |