Okanagana schaefferi
This record describes Okanagana schaefferi (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Okanagana schaefferi is the big brother to O. fratercula, and thankfully much more distinctive. Both share fuscous marginal cells and very prominent fronts. On schaefferi the tergites are strongly bordered with red (moreso than in fratercula). Size(~27mm) is the simplest distinguishing feature from fratercula (~20mm), while the reddish-orange coloration and dark wing venation separates it from O. tanneri, which was formerly considered a subspecies. Very seldom encountered with few records even in museums.
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
Geographic Range
Utah
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Okanagana schaefferi. 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 schaefferi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor
Frequently Asked Questions About Okanagana schaefferi
What is Okanagana schaefferi?
Okanagana schaefferi is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Okanagana schaefferi?
~27mm
How do you identify Okanagana schaefferi?
Okanagana schaefferi is the big brother to O. fratercula, and thankfully much more distinctive. Both share fuscous marginal cells and very prominent fronts. On schaefferi the tergites are strongly bordered with red (moreso than in fratercula). Size(~27mm) is the simplest distinguishing feature from fratercula (~20mm), while the reddish-orange coloration and dark wing venation separates it from O. tanneri, which was formerly considered a subspecies.
Where is Okanagana schaefferi found?
Range: Utah