Stictocephala basalis
This record describes Stictocephala basalis (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The usual color form is greenish on top, black below, but often the rest of the body is very dark also. The dark legs and underside, and brown patches on the sides of the pronotum, are distinctive. (Unusually dark specimens of C. palmeri may have all-brown legs.) Horns are much shorter and less widely spaced than in other brown congeners, such as C. diceros . [based on Dr Hamilton's comments] Common in the north
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Membracidae (Typical Treehoppers)
- Subfamily
- Smiliinae
- Tribe
- Ceresini
- Genus
- Stictocephala
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
across Canada (NS-BC) & the US (except the southeast) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: willows
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ceresa basalis Walker 1851
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stictocephala basalis. 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 Stictocephala basalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by anitagould , Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Stictocephala basalis
What is Stictocephala basalis?
Stictocephala basalis is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Stictocephala basalis?
The usual color form is greenish on top, black below, but often the rest of the body is very dark also. The dark legs and underside, and brown patches on the sides of the pronotum, are distinctive. (Unusually dark specimens of C. palmeri may have all-brown legs.) Horns are much shorter and less widely spaced than in other brown congeners, such as C. diceros . [based on Dr Hamilton's comments]
Where is Stictocephala basalis found?
Range: across Canada (NS-BC) & the US (except the southeast) - Map
What does Stictocephala basalis eat?
The diet of the Stictocephala basalis includes hosts: willows.