Populicerus levis
This record describes Populicerus levis (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Resembling pallidus in form and appearance but with slight discal enlargements on antennae. Male antennal discs only slightly larger than antennae and elongate. Color pale yellow, elytra appearing milky white. Female segment rather strongly roundedly produced at middle. Male plates rather long and narrow. (DeLong & Caldwell, 1937) Treated as a jr. syn. of Idiocerus perplexus Gillette & Baker, 1895 by Freytag (1965). Valid in Hamilton (1980) and Chandler & Hamilton (2017).
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 (Quebec), USA (Maine, New Hampshire). Type locality: Meddybemps, Maine.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Populicerus levis (DeLong & Caldwell, 1937)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Populicerus levis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Populicerus levis
What is Populicerus levis?
Populicerus levis is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Populicerus levis?
5.5-6.5mm
How do you identify Populicerus levis?
Resembling pallidus in form and appearance but with slight discal enlargements on antennae. Male antennal discs only slightly larger than antennae and elongate. Color pale yellow, elytra appearing milky white. Female segment rather strongly roundedly produced at middle. Male plates rather long and narrow. (DeLong & Caldwell, 1937)
Where is Populicerus levis found?
Range: Canada (Quebec), USA (Maine, New Hampshire). Type locality: Meddybemps, Maine.