Xestocephalus superbus
This record describes Xestocephalus superbus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This tiny leafhopper is an 'ant-guest', living as an immature in the tunnels of ant nests, where it presumably feeds on the roots of plants. Adults fly around a lot, looking for other ant nests. They are quite common transcontinentally, although seldom seen by the amateur. Some have striking color patterns. This one is mottled with white spots, with one white spot at the tip of the wing (in a closely related species, X. similis , the white spot is at the base of this wing cell, and the tip of the cell is dark) ‒K.G.A. Hamilton
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
- Aphrodinae
- Tribe
- Xestocephalini
- Genus
- Xestocephalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xestocephalus superbus (Provancher 1890)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Xestocephalus superbus. 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 Xestocephalus superbus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , metrioptera