Stictocephala lutea
This record describes Stictocephala lutea (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The common eastern 'hornless' species with dark legs (per Andy Hamilton)
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
e. NA to AZ - Map , mostly e. NA to TX
Seasonal Activity
throughout the year in FL; in other states, apparently only in the spring
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Quercus falcata , Quercus velutina , Melilotus , Solidago , Salix ( Hoppers of North Carolina )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ceresa lutea (Walker 1851)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stictocephala lutea. 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 lutea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by anitagould , Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov , marcie oconnor , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Stictocephala lutea
What is Stictocephala lutea?
Stictocephala lutea is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Stictocephala lutea?
♀ 7 mm, ♂ 6-7 mm
How do you identify Stictocephala lutea?
The common eastern 'hornless' species with dark legs (per Andy Hamilton)
Where is Stictocephala lutea found?
Range: e. NA to AZ - Map , mostly e. NA to TX
What does Stictocephala lutea eat?
The diet of the Stictocephala lutea includes Quercus falcata , Quercus velutina , Melilotus , Solidago , Salix ( Hoppers of North Carolina ).
When is Stictocephala lutea active?
Stictocephala lutea: seasonal activity - throughout the year in FL; in other states, apparently only in the spring.