Populicerus gillettei
This record describes Populicerus gillettei (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults of gillettei closely resemble those of carolina , from which they may be distinguished by the characters cited under that species. Pale individuals may resemble specimens of unicolor n. sp., but the short preapical setae of the style and the much smaller antennal discs are distinctive. - Hamilton, 1980 Images identified as P. gillettei on this page that have not been confirmed using specimens should be considered tentatively identified. This species does seem to be a darker green (in life) than other mostly-green members of this genus. I. perplexus Gillette & Baker was described from a mixed type series, with a female of gillettei illustrated in the text. Freytag (1965) selected one of the males as the lectotype of perplexus ; this specimen is of a different species to that in the illustration, and belongs to a different species-group than gillettei . I. duzeei Provancher was described from a single ochreous female. I have examined this specimen (Hamilton 1976); it is much smaller and browner than gillettei , and has black abdominal terga. - Hamilton, 1980
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Cicadellidae (Typical Leafhoppers)
- Subfamily
- Eurymelinae
- Tribe
- Idiocerini
- Genus
- Populicerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick); USA (CO)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Populicerus gillettei. 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 Populicerus gillettei (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Populicerus gillettei
What is Populicerus gillettei?
Populicerus gillettei is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Populicerus gillettei?
Adults of gillettei closely resemble those of carolina , from which they may be distinguished by the characters cited under that species. Pale individuals may resemble specimens of unicolor n. sp., but the short preapical setae of the style and the much smaller antennal discs are distinctive. - Hamilton, 1980 Images identified as P. gillettei on this page that have not been confirmed using specimens should be considered tentatively identified. This species does seem to be a darker green (in life) than other mostly-green members of this genus.
Where is Populicerus gillettei found?
Range: Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick); USA (CO)
What does Populicerus gillettei eat?
The diet of the Populicerus gillettei includes Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood).