Protrocha orbiculata
This record describes Protrocha orbiculata (species). Recorded family: Caliscelidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elongate, median frontal tablet smooth, oval, no angles indicated at either end, two pustules between tablet and postclypeus, an extra median row of 5 pustules in each lateral compartment
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Fulgoroidea
- Family
- Caliscelidae (Piglet Bugs)
- Tribe
- Peltonotellini
- Genus
- Protrocha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NM-w.TX / Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphelonema orbiculata Ball, 1935
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Protrocha orbiculata. 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 Protrocha orbiculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Protrocha orbiculata
What is Protrocha orbiculata?
Protrocha orbiculata is a species in the family Caliscelidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Protrocha orbiculata?
length of female, 3.4 mm length of male, 2.7 mm
How do you identify Protrocha orbiculata?
Elongate, median frontal tablet smooth, oval, no angles indicated at either end, two pustules between tablet and postclypeus, an extra median row of 5 pustules in each lateral compartment
Where is Protrocha orbiculata found?
Range: NM-w.TX / Mexico