HemipteraPsyllidae

Purshivora chelifera

This record describes Purshivora chelifera (species). Recorded family: Psyllidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

common in the Great Basin area (Dr Gill's comment)

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Sternorrhyncha
Superfamily
Psylloidea
Family
Psyllidae
Subfamily
Psyllinae
Genus
Purshivora

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

w. US

Diet and Behavior

Diet: host: Purshia tridentata (bitterbrush)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Purshivora chelifera (Crawford 1914)

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Purshivora chelifera. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Frequently Asked Questions About Purshivora chelifera

What is Purshivora chelifera?

Purshivora chelifera is a species in the family Psyllidae, within the order Hemiptera.

Where is Purshivora chelifera found?

Range: w. US

What does Purshivora chelifera eat?

The diet of the Purshivora chelifera includes host: Purshia tridentata (bitterbrush).