Xerophloea peltata
This record describes Xerophloea peltata (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Crown with anterior margin broadly angulate; interocular width about 1.5 times median length. Pronotum with median length about 1.75 times median length of crown, slightly broader than basal half of head; posterior two-thirds inflated. Entire body coarsely punctate. Male with fuscous markings along median line of crown and another transverse line at base of pronotum, female uniformly green. - Nielson, 1962 [there is in fact a range of color variation in the known forms of this species]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Cicadellidae (Typical Leafhoppers)
- Subfamily
- Ledrinae
- Genus
- Xerophloea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
western and central U.S.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: historically collected from the following: Atriplex semibaccata (Australian saltbush) Chenopodium murale (Nettle-leaved goosefoot) Amaranthus retroflexus Tribulus terrestris Franseria acanthicarpa Centaurea solstitialis (Yellow star-thistle) Medicago sativa (Alfalfa) Vitis spp. (Grapevines) Vicia spp. (Vetch)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xerophloea peltata (Uhler, 1877)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Xerophloea peltata. 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 Xerophloea peltata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tom Bentley; Additional contributions by v belov , TurtleDude , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Xerophloea peltata
What is Xerophloea peltata?
Xerophloea peltata is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Xerophloea peltata?
♂ 6.1-6.8mm, ♀ 7.2-7.9mm
How do you identify Xerophloea peltata?
Crown with anterior margin broadly angulate; interocular width about 1.5 times median length. Pronotum with median length about 1.75 times median length of crown, slightly broader than basal half of head; posterior two-thirds inflated. Entire body coarsely punctate. Male with fuscous markings along median line of crown and another transverse line at base of pronotum, female uniformly green. - Nielson, 1962 [there is in fact a range of color variation in the known forms of this species]
Where is Xerophloea peltata found?
Range: western and central U.S.
What does Xerophloea peltata eat?
The diet of the Xerophloea peltata includes historically collected from the following: Atriplex semibaccata (Australian saltbush) Chenopodium murale (Nettle-leaved goosefoot) Amaranthus retroflexus Tribulus terrestris Franseria acanthicarpa Centaurea solstitialis (Yellow star-thistle) Medicago sativa (Alfalfa) Vitis spp. (Grapevines) Vicia spp. (Vetch).