Sugarberry Psyllid
Tetragonocephala flava
This record describes Tetragonocephala flava (species). Recorded family: Carsidaridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body yellow to brown, with six black spots on scutum. Medial cell on forewing very long, much longer than cubital cell; pterostigma absent
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Psylloidea
- Family
- Carsidaridae
- Subfamily
- Pachypsyllinae
- Genus
- Tetragonocephala
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (TX, AZ) & Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetragonocephala flava Crawford 1914
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tetragonocephala flava. 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 Sugarberry Psyllid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Graham M , Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugarberry Psyllid
What is Sugarberry Psyllid?
Sugarberry Psyllid (Tetragonocephala flava) is a species in the family Carsidaridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Sugarberry Psyllid?
Body yellow to brown, with six black spots on scutum. Medial cell on forewing very long, much longer than cubital cell; pterostigma absent
Where is Sugarberry Psyllid found?
Range: sw. US (TX, AZ) & Mexico
What does Sugarberry Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Sugarberry Psyllid includes Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry).