Little Mesquite Cicada
Pacarina puella
This record describes Pacarina puella (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tiny cicada with a BIG head (Andy Hamilton, 26 August, 2010)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cicadoidea
- Family
- Cicadidae (Cicadas)
- Subfamily
- Cicadinae
- Tribe
- Fidicinini
- Genus
- Pacarina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various (subtropical scrub and semi-arid forests to macrothermal deciduous habitats)
Geographic Range
AZ-LA, OK / Mex to C. Amer.
Seasonal Activity
May-Sept (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Usually associated with Mesquite
Life History
Song - InsectSingers.com
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pacarina puella. 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 Little Mesquite Cicada (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Bill Reynolds , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Mesquite Cicada
What is Little Mesquite Cicada?
Little Mesquite Cicada (Pacarina puella) is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Little Mesquite Cicada?
2 cm (BG data)
How do you identify Little Mesquite Cicada?
Tiny cicada with a BIG head (Andy Hamilton, 26 August, 2010)
Where is Little Mesquite Cicada found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Various (subtropical scrub and semi-arid forests to macrothermal deciduous habitats) |
| Range | AZ-LA, OK / Mex to C. Amer. |
What does Little Mesquite Cicada eat?
The diet of the Little Mesquite Cicada includes Usually associated with Mesquite.
When is Little Mesquite Cicada active?
Little Mesquite Cicada: seasonal activity - May-Sept (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Little Mesquite Cicada?
Song - InsectSingers.com