Thionia elliptica
This record describes Thionia elliptica (species). Recorded family: Issidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Kimberley Shropshire, University of Delaware
Wikipedia reference for Thionia elliptica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thionia_elliptica.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Fulgoroidea
- Family
- Issidae (Issid Planthoppers)
- Subfamily
- Issinae
- Tribe
- Thioniini
- Genus
- Thionia (Thioniini incertae sedis)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (TX-GA-NJ-MO), Ont. - Map , most records se US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Known host plants: Quercus ilicifolia (bear oak), Q. marilandica (blackjack oak), Fagaceae ( 3 )
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Thionia elliptica. 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 Thionia elliptica (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Thionia elliptica
What is Thionia elliptica?
Thionia elliptica is a species in the family Issidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Thionia elliptica?
7 mm to 7.5 mm
How do you identify Thionia elliptica?
Kimberley Shropshire, University of Delaware
Where is Thionia elliptica found?
Range: e. US (TX-GA-NJ-MO), Ont. - Map , most records se US
What does Thionia elliptica eat?
The diet of the Thionia elliptica includes Known host plants: Quercus ilicifolia (bear oak), Q. marilandica (blackjack oak), Fagaceae ( 3 ).