Black Leaf-Leg
Phylloscelis atra
This record describes Phylloscelis atra (species). Recorded family: Dictyopharidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
species comes in several very different color patterns (Andy Hamilton, 2.i.2013) a red/orange-striped variety 'albovenosa' is a mimic of a number of similarly colored distasteful beetles in the genus Cryptocephalus ; this color variety, less common than atra , occurs along with it
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Fulgoroidea
- Family
- Dictyopharidae (Dictyopharid Planthoppers)
- Subfamily
- Dictyopharinae
- Tribe
- Phylloscelini
- Genus
- Phylloscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US to CO (MA-CO south to FL-TX) & so. ON; Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Known host: winged sumac ( Rhus copallinum , Anacardiaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phylloscelis atra Germar 1839
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phylloscelis atra. 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 Black Leaf-Leg (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Leaf-Leg
What is Black Leaf-Leg?
Black Leaf-Leg (Phylloscelis atra) is a species in the family Dictyopharidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Black Leaf-Leg?
♀ 3.7±0.13 mm, ♀ 4.8±0.07
How do you identify Black Leaf-Leg?
species comes in several very different color patterns (Andy Hamilton, 2.i.2013)
Where is Black Leaf-Leg found?
Range: e. US to CO (MA-CO south to FL-TX) & so. ON; Mexico
What does Black Leaf-Leg eat?
The diet of the Black Leaf-Leg includes Known host: winged sumac ( Rhus copallinum , Anacardiaceae).