Tortistilus inermis
This record describes Tortistilus inermis (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

no horns, high crest with a sharp yellow edge, dark legs and darker femora
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
- Ceresini
- Genus
- Tortistilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.NA to BC (QC-BC to FL-c.TX) - Map , common in c.TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tortistilus inermis (Fabricius 1775)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tortistilus inermis. 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 Tortistilus inermis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Tortistilus inermis
What is Tortistilus inermis?
Tortistilus inermis is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Tortistilus inermis?
no horns, high crest with a sharp yellow edge, dark legs and darker femora
Where is Tortistilus inermis found?
Range: e.NA to BC (QC-BC to FL-c.TX) - Map , common in c.TX
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