Telamona excelsa
This record describes Telamona excelsa (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The striking colors of both sexes distinctive: ♀♀ brilliant grass-green, ♂♂ yellow with brown fascia (Funkhouser 1917) One of the most active among congeners; flies well (Funkhouser 1917)
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
- Telamonini
- Genus
- Telamona
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to sw TX - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Carya spp. ( 3 ) ; adults also found on butternut, walnut, and basswood (Funkhouser 1917)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Telamona excelsa (Fairmaire)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Telamona excelsa. 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 Telamona excelsa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Telamona excelsa
What is Telamona excelsa?
Telamona excelsa is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Telamona excelsa?
11-12 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Telamona excelsa?
The striking colors of both sexes distinctive: ♀♀ brilliant grass-green, ♂♂ yellow with brown fascia (Funkhouser 1917)
Where is Telamona excelsa found?
Range: e. NA to sw TX - Map
What does Telamona excelsa eat?
The diet of the Telamona excelsa includes hosts: Carya spp. ( 3 ) ; adults also found on butternut, walnut, and basswood (Funkhouser 1917).