Cassava Lace Bug
Vatiga illudens
This record describes Vatiga illudens (species). Recorded family: Tingidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
pest of cassava in the Neotropics; earliest record in our area: FL 2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Tingidae (Lace Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Tinginae
- Tribe
- Tingini
- Genus
- Vatiga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
West Indies & n. S. America to Brazil; in our area, so. FL (adventive)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Manihot esculenta
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Vatiga illudens (Drake)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Vatiga illudens. 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 Cassava Lace Bug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cassava Lace Bug
What is Cassava Lace Bug?
Cassava Lace Bug (Vatiga illudens) is a species in the family Tingidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Cassava Lace Bug?
adults 3-4 mm
Where is Cassava Lace Bug found?
Range: West Indies & n. S. America to Brazil; in our area, so. FL (adventive)
What does Cassava Lace Bug eat?
The diet of the Cassava Lace Bug includes host: Manihot esculenta.