Vanduzea laeta
This record describes Vanduzea laeta (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
- Amastrini
- Genus
- Vanduzea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA-AZ, CO , uncommon [type locality: AZ]
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Considering how common mesquite is, these insects are surprisingly rare. I have taken them on only 6 occasions. Mostly V. segmentata is on mesquite; two series of V. laeta were on Acacia ( A. constricta and A. greggii ) so perhaps there is a host difference. --K.G.A. Hamilton, 8.I.2010
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Vanduzea laeta (Goding 1893)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Vanduzea laeta. 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 Vanduzea laeta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanduzea laeta
How big is Vanduzea laeta?
4.7mm
Where is Vanduzea laeta found?
Range: CA-AZ, CO , uncommon [type locality: AZ]
What does Vanduzea laeta eat?
The diet of the Vanduzea laeta includes Considering how common mesquite is, these insects are surprisingly rare. I have taken them on only 6 occasions. Mostly V. segmentata is on mesquite; two series of V. laeta were on Acacia ( A. constricta and A. greggii ) so perhaps there is a host difference. --K.G.A. Hamilton, 8.I.2010.