Texananus decorus
This record describes Texananus decorus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A rather short, robust species with flaring elytra. Vertex broadly, roundedly angulate, about one-third longer on middle than against the eyes. Color white marked with tawny, a transverse pale band on vertex. Elytral commissural line on clavus with ivory white lobate spots. Female seventh sternite with lateral margins rounded to posterior margin which is almost truncate; median third broadly, deeply excavated, with a broad, but not rounded, apex at the middle extending two-thirds the distance to the base. Male plates short and narrow, triangular apices roundedly angled. Aedeagus [external organ of a male, specialized to deliver sperm during copulation] with a long, slender, blade-like ventral process and a rather long, slender, dorsal process with apical third curved dorsally.
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
- Scaphoideini
- Genus
- Texananus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
grassy areas
Geographic Range
throughout the US
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Texananus decorus (Osborn & Ball 1897)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Texananus decorus. 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 Texananus decorus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Texananus decorus
What is Texananus decorus?
Texananus decorus is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Texananus decorus?
6 mm
How do you identify Texananus decorus?
A rather short, robust species with flaring elytra. Vertex broadly, roundedly angulate, about one-third longer on middle than against the eyes. Color white marked with tawny, a transverse pale band on vertex. Elytral commissural line on clavus with ivory white lobate spots. Female seventh sternite with lateral margins rounded to posterior margin which is almost truncate; median third broadly, deeply excavated, with a broad, but not rounded, apex at the middle extending two-thirds the distance to the base. Male plates short and narrow, triangular apices roundedly angled. Aedeagus [external organ of a male, specialized to deliver sperm during copulation] with a long, slender, blade-like ventral process and a rather long, slender, dorsal process with apical third curved dorsally.
Where is Texananus decorus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | grassy areas |
| Range | throughout the US |