Stictocephala taurina
This record describes Stictocephala taurina (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Prominent pale spots on the crest, horns narrower and front less broad than C. alta --Dr 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 (AZ-MS-NC-NS-MB) - Map + WA (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: polyphagous
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: taurina = 'little bull'
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stictocephala taurina. 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 taurina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Stictocephala taurina
What is Stictocephala taurina?
Stictocephala taurina is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Stictocephala taurina?
7.5 mm
How do you identify Stictocephala taurina?
Prominent pale spots on the crest, horns narrower and front less broad than C. alta --Dr Hamilton
Where is Stictocephala taurina found?
Range: e NA to AZ (AZ-MS-NC-NS-MB) - Map + WA (BG data)
What does Stictocephala taurina eat?
The diet of the Stictocephala taurina includes polyphagous.
When is Stictocephala taurina active?
Stictocephala taurina: seasonal activity - Jun-Oct (BG data).