Stirellus bicolor
This record describes Stirellus bicolor (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other greyish leafhoppers by very narrow head, with eyes separated by only their own width. Two color forms; one occurs in cooler temperatures, the other in hot summers. The bright colors are brought out by longer day lengths and higher temperatures. --Per Dr. Hamilton's comments Winter forms : Summer forms : S. bicolor and S. obtutus are photoperiodically induced color forms of a single species. (Whitcomb et al. 1972)
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
- Eupelicini
- Genus
- Stirellus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (NJ-NE to FL-TX) to Brazil - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly Jun-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: General grass feeder including Andropogon spp. (Whitcomb et al. 1972)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stirellus bicolor (Van Duzee 1892)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stirellus bicolor. 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 Stirellus bicolor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Stirellus bicolor
What is Stirellus bicolor?
Stirellus bicolor is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Stirellus bicolor?
4 mm (A. Hamilton comment)
How do you identify Stirellus bicolor?
Distinguished from other greyish leafhoppers by very narrow head, with eyes separated by only their own width. Two color forms; one occurs in cooler temperatures, the other in hot summers. The bright colors are brought out by longer day lengths and higher temperatures. --Per Dr. Hamilton's comments Winter forms : Summer forms :
Where is Stirellus bicolor found?
Range: e. US (NJ-NE to FL-TX) to Brazil - Map
What does Stirellus bicolor eat?
The diet of the Stirellus bicolor includes General grass feeder including Andropogon spp. (Whitcomb et al. 1972).
When is Stirellus bicolor active?
Stirellus bicolor: seasonal activity - mostly Jun-Oct.