St. Augustine Grass Planthopper
Syndelphax pseudoseminigra
This record describes Syndelphax pseudoseminigra (species). Recorded family: Delphacidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Syndelphax - University of Delaware In March 2005, a large infestation of the delphacid planthopper, Liburnia pseudoseminigra (Muir & Gifford), was found infesting St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum , in a commercial sod farm in southern Florida. (Cherry et al. 2006) Large population numbers can create nuisance problems.
Identification notes
Syndelphax - University of Delaware
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Delphacoidea
- Family
- Delphacidae (Delphacid Planthoppers)
- Subfamily
- Delphacinae
- Tribe
- Delphacini
- Genus
- Syndelphax
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL-GA (Cherry et al. 2006), (recently adventive to California, near Los Angeles) - University of Delaware TX-LA per BG data
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Syndelphax pseudoseminiger (Muir and Giffard) seminigra = 'half black'
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Syndelphax pseudoseminigra. 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 St. Augustine Grass Planthopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Ron M.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Augustine Grass Planthopper
What is St. Augustine Grass Planthopper?
St. Augustine Grass Planthopper (Syndelphax pseudoseminigra) is a species in the family Delphacidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is St. Augustine Grass Planthopper?
1.7-3.2 mm
How do you identify St. Augustine Grass Planthopper?
Syndelphax - University of Delaware
Where is St. Augustine Grass Planthopper found?
Range: FL-GA (Cherry et al. 2006), (recently adventive to California, near Los Angeles) - University of Delaware TX-LA per BG data