Prosapia simulans
This record describes Prosapia simulans (species). Recorded family: Ischnorhinidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
three pale bands apparent first US record, Hidalgo Co., TX, 2008; fairly common in s.TX since 2021
Identification notes
three pale bands
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cercopoidea
- Family
- Ischnorhinidae (Ischnorhinid Spittlebugs)
- Genus
- Prosapia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. TX (Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Kenedy Cos.) to Panama - Map (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
abundant and widespread pasture grass pest in Mexico and Central America
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Prosapia simulans. 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 Prosapia simulans (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Prosapia simulans
What is Prosapia simulans?
Prosapia simulans is a species in the family Ischnorhinidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Prosapia simulans?
three pale bands
Where is Prosapia simulans found?
Range: s. TX (Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Kenedy Cos.) to Panama - Map (BG data)
What is the life cycle of a Prosapia simulans?
abundant and widespread pasture grass pest in Mexico and Central America