Scaphytopius elegans
This record describes Scaphytopius elegans (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The broad, yellow vitta on dorsum readily separates this species from any other in the genus. Det. Kyle Kittelberger, 2015
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
- Deltocephalinae
- Tribe
- Scaphytopiini
- Genus
- Scaphytopius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. US (CA-AZ, OK-TX-LA, FL, NC) / n.Mex. - Map , most records from c.TX and FL peninsula
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Mar-Oct ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: feeds exclusively on the live oaks ( Quercus ) , particularly on Q. fusiformis in c.TX , on Q. turbinella and Q. oblongifolia in s.AZ, and on Q. virginiana in FL
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scaphytopius elegans (Van Duzee 1890)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Scaphytopius elegans. 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 Scaphytopius elegans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaphytopius elegans
What is Scaphytopius elegans?
Scaphytopius elegans is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Scaphytopius elegans?
Length: 4.7-5 mm
How do you identify Scaphytopius elegans?
The broad, yellow vitta on dorsum readily separates this species from any other in the genus. Det. Kyle Kittelberger, 2015
Where is Scaphytopius elegans found?
Range: s. US (CA-AZ, OK-TX-LA, FL, NC) / n.Mex. - Map , most records from c.TX and FL peninsula
What does Scaphytopius elegans eat?
The diet of the Scaphytopius elegans includes feeds exclusively on the live oaks ( Quercus ) , particularly on Q. fusiformis in c.TX , on Q. turbinella and Q. oblongifolia in s.AZ, and on Q. virginiana in FL.
When is Scaphytopius elegans active?
Scaphytopius elegans: seasonal activity - mostly: Mar-Oct ( 3 ).