HemipteraMembracidae – Typical Treehoppers

Palonica nogalana

This record describes Palonica nogalana (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Palonica nogalana - Palonica nogalana
Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix

Similar to viridia but smaller, narrower with a higher and more foliaceous crest, green with a dusky line on the back of the crest. Pronotum long low acute; crest nearly equilaterally triangular, much higher and more angular than in viridia ; as long as in tremulata , but more definitely angled above, the apex rounding with a slight but definite step on the posterior face. Humeral angles one-half longer with the anterior margin less rounding than in viridia . The crest as seen from in front is higher and much narrower with a definite separation between its slope and that of the metapodium. Color light green, not polished as in viridia . The carina on the apex of crest, and a line bordering the posterior face dusky. The apex of pronotum and elytra smoky. The high narrow crest, the long humeral angles and the different shade of green will at once distinguish this species. (from original description, Ball, 1933)

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Auchenorrhyncha
Superfamily
Membracoidea
Family
Membracidae (Typical Treehoppers)
Subfamily
Smiliinae
Tribe
Telamonini
Genus
Palonica

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

AZ

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Populus deltoides wislizeni (Rio Grande Cottonwood)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Palonica nogalana Ball, 1933

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Palonica nogalana. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Palonica nogalana (5)

Palonica nogalana - photo 1
Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix
Palonica nogalana - photo 2
Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix
Palonica nogalana - photo 3
Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix
Palonica nogalana - photo 4
Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix
Palonica nogalana - photo 5
Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix

Photo credits: Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix

Frequently Asked Questions About Palonica nogalana

What is Palonica nogalana?

Palonica nogalana is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Palonica nogalana?

Females 10mm, males 8mm

How do you identify Palonica nogalana?

Similar to viridia but smaller, narrower with a higher and more foliaceous crest, green with a dusky line on the back of the crest. Pronotum long low acute; crest nearly equilaterally triangular, much higher and more angular than in viridia ; as long as in tremulata , but more definitely angled above, the apex rounding with a slight but definite step on the posterior face. Humeral angles one-half longer with the anterior margin less rounding than in viridia . The crest as seen from in front is higher and much narrower with a definite separation between its slope and that of the metapodium. Color light green, not polished as in viridia . The carina on the apex of crest, and a line bordering the posterior face dusky. The apex of pronotum and elytra smoky. The high narrow crest, the long humeral angles and the different shade of green will at once distinguish this species. (from original description, Ball, 1933)

Where is Palonica nogalana found?

Range: AZ

What does Palonica nogalana eat?

The diet of the Palonica nogalana includes Populus deltoides wislizeni (Rio Grande Cottonwood).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.