Trioza obtusa
This record describes Trioza obtusa (species). Recorded family: Triozidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body reddish-brown, often with a white waxy bloom on the head and thorax; wings smokey brown; head relatively large and robust
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA and Canada ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: Amelanchier canadensis
Life History
Nymphs feed on the ventral surface of leaves where they are readily detected by their "beautiful white, floss-like wax filaments that [curl] softly up from the margin of their bodies". ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trioza obtusa Patch, 1911
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Trioza obtusa. 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 Trioza obtusa (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Trioza obtusa
What is Trioza obtusa?
Trioza obtusa is a species in the family Triozidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Trioza obtusa?
4mm
How do you identify Trioza obtusa?
Body reddish-brown, often with a white waxy bloom on the head and thorax; wings smokey brown; head relatively large and robust
Where is Trioza obtusa found?
Range: Eastern USA and Canada ( 3 )
What does Trioza obtusa eat?
The diet of the Trioza obtusa includes Host: Amelanchier canadensis.
What is the life cycle of a Trioza obtusa?
Nymphs feed on the ventral surface of leaves where they are readily detected by their beautiful white, floss-like wax filaments that [curl] softly up from the margin of their bodies. ( 4 )