Stictopelta pulchella
This record describes Stictopelta pulchella (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to the Mexican species Stictopelta zonifera (Butler, 1878); it is unclear how to separate the two species, if they really are different.
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
- Darninae
- Tribe
- Darnini
- Genus
- Stictopelta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (AZ, CO) / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: has been found on Sonoran indigo ( Indigofera sphaerocarpa , Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stictopelta pulchella Ball 1933
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stictopelta pulchella. 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 Stictopelta pulchella (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Stictopelta pulchella
What is Stictopelta pulchella?
Stictopelta pulchella is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Stictopelta pulchella found?
Range: sw US (AZ, CO) / Mex. - Map
What does Stictopelta pulchella eat?
The diet of the Stictopelta pulchella includes has been found on Sonoran indigo ( Indigofera sphaerocarpa , Fabaceae).