Saltmarsh Delphacid Planthopper
Prokelisia dolus
This record describes Prokelisia dolus (species). Recorded family: Delphacidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The face is striped, narrowed at the tip, and shorter than in P. marginata . This is a very common species, especially on the Atlantic coast. [comment by Andy Hamilton] The commonest species in northern coastlines, on Spartina alterniflora in the tidal zone. It can be told from its relatives by the face widest near the midlength instead of widest just below the eyes. [another comment by Andy Hamilton]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Delphacoidea
- Family
- Delphacidae (Delphacid Planthoppers)
- Subfamily
- Delphacinae
- Tribe
- Delphacini
- Genus
- Prokelisia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Wilson, 1982
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Prokelisia dolus. 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 Saltmarsh Delphacid Planthopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , antarctica