| 50 most recent updates | ||||||||||||
| sciName | description | abundance | habitat | food | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thionia quinquata | A uniformly brown species, with small fine black points all over the body. The prominent wing venation and the claws are also black. The vertex of the head is narrow, with the lateral margins diverging; this gives the vertex, which is relatively flat on the top without any pronounced margins, more of a chevron-like shape than other species in the genus (BG). This subtle but important field mark can be useful in differentiating from the similar T. bullata. Adults, at least females, are large for this genus, being 8 mm long from tip of the head to apex of the wings (T. quinquata). See here for images of an adult female: lateral, dorsal, and frontal. Nymphs are greenish with orange transverse stripes down the back and an orange margin to the head. The head length itself is distinctive, as the head noticeably extends past the eyes, converging to form a triangle when viewed from above. | Uncommon to rare, or rarely collected; across the state, primarily in the Piedmont. | Mixed hardwood forest and pine forest. | Pines, though has also been recorded from oak and sweetgum (probably was resting on these trees). | ||||||||
| Thionia elliptica | This species varies in color from grayish to brown but is generally yellowish or greenish-tan with brown speckling. It has a characteristic vertex (top of the head) that is concave from the frontal view, with the lateral margins flared prominently, and from the dorsal view, the vertex is wider than long (BG). See here for a nice depiction of the noticeably wider than long vertex. Nymphs exhibit a strong degree of variation in pattern and coloration, ranging from light brown to black in color and typically heavily marked with cream spots, though some individuals have a paler midline; individuals also tend to have red eyes. See W & W 1987 for more information and drawings of the nymphs of T. elliptica. (BG) | Uncommon to locally abundant, no records yet from the Coastal Plain. | Mixed hardwood forest, where oaks are present. | Quercus ilicifolia (bear oak, Fagaceae), Q. marilandica (blackjack oak) (UDEL); nymphs have also been found on red maple and Nyssa sylvatica (tupelo, black gum). | ||||||||
| Thionia bullata | A brownish species with dark wing markings, usually with a prominent "U" or torus-shaped dark mark near the rear of the wings. This species has a characteristic vertex (top of the head) that is slightly longer than wide when viewed dorsally, and relatively flat (sometimes with slightly raised but parallel lateral margins of the vertex) when viewed from the front. Adults are 6.4 to 7.6 mm long (UDEL). Nymphs are greenish overall, with two golden stripes going down the middle of the back. The sides of the body are dark-brown to blackish in color, distinctive for this species. For more information about the nymphs and their various instar stages, see W & W 1988. | Recorded across the state, with a majority of records from the Piedmont where it is locally common. | Found in grassy, shrubby areas and mixed hardwood forest edge; where plant associates are located. | Described from Pinus taeda (Loblolly pine, Pinaceae), P. echinata (Shortleaf pine), P. virginiana (Virginia pine) (UDEL); also reported from oaks (Quercus) and Sweetgum | ||||||||
| Aplos simplex | A distinctive looking species in this genus. Adults are mostly unicolorous and brownish in color, with bold dark wing venation; young adults though may be uniformly greenish in color, with the body and wings darkening as the adults age. The head, legs, and part of thorax are typically greenish. The head is fairly round and flat, without any prominent lateral margins. Nymphs are greenish overall with orange longitudinal stripes down the body. Like the adult, the head of the nymph is characteristically rounded, separating this from the similar nymphs of T. quinquata which have pointed heads. Young nymph instars are orange-green and have some black spots on either side of the midline of the abdomen. For more information about the nymphs and their various instar stages, see W & W 1988. | Uncommon to locally common, recorded across the state. | Has been found near mixed hardwood forest. | Polyphagous on dicots (UDEL); on various herbs, shrubs, and trees. | ||||||||
| Flataloides scabrosus | A distinctive species in the state. This genus has the vertex wider than long, and in dorsal view the front of the head is truncate or weakly rounded (UDEL). There are two lateral spines on the posterior tibiae. When at rest, the wings are held fairly flat. This species is relatively pale overall, with greenish and orange tints on the wings, though there is variation in pattern among individuals. There are a couple of dark markings on the temple/side of the head that appear to be characteristic of Flataloides scabrosus (BG). | An uncommon to rare species, recorded from several counties in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. | Has been found near mixed hardwood forest. | ? | ||||||||
| Anotia bonnetii | This species has brownish wings, with the veins outlined in brown. The lower outer margins of the wings have some red-lined veins, and there are small black spots on the apical edges. Most importantly, vein CuA is forked, dividing the wing cell into small cell C5 and larger cell C4; in some other Anotia species, the forked vein and therefore C5 are absent. Two bold dark spots, one on each wing, can be found on the inner edge near the middle. The thorax and abdomen are reddish-brown, and there are no dark markings on top of the head (separating this species from westwoodi); the side of the head also lacks markings and is whitish. (UDEL) | Uncommon to scarce, recorded in several counties in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. | Has been found in open areas near mixed hardwood forest. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||
| Anotia burnetii | This species has mostly clear wings with a large, prominent brown mark. Some of the veins are red, especially on the outer edge of the wing. The first three abdominal segments have mid-dorsal black markings (the 4th segment may be a little dark too, though this varies), characteristic of this species (UDEL). Notably, wing vein CuA is forked, dividing the wing cell into small cell C5 and larger cell C4 (besides C4, C3a is also large); in some other Anotia species, the forked vein and therefore C5 are absent. | Several records from the Piedmont and mountains; uncommon. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | |||||||||
| sciName | description | abundance | habitat | food | ||||||||
| Anotia kirkaldyi | A colorful species, with a reddish-brown color pattern on the wings and body. While the wing venation is pale, this species can typically be differentiated from others by the bold, dark diagonal stripe along one of the veins; some individuals though lack this dark streak and instead have somewhat uniformly darkened, bold embrowning around the veins. In this species, wing vein CuA is not branched, meaning that a cell C5 is absent; instead, cells C4 and C3a are large. The outer edge of the wings has red markings, and the thorax and abdomen are reddish. There are 2 (or more) red marks on the sides of the head, around the eye. The antennal stubs are reddish-brown. | Uncommon with a handful of records from the Piedmont and mountains, possibly more abundant in the right habitat. | Has been found near mixed hardwood forest. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||
| Anotia uhleri | A fairly distinctive member of this genus, it has yellowish wings with reddish-brown bases and two dark marks on each wing tip, consisting of a large reddish mark and a dark brown asymmetrical mark. The wing venation is reddish where the wings are dark and white where the wings are pale. Wing vein CuA is branched, with cells C5, C4, C3, and C3a similar in size. The thorax, abdomen, and head are reddish, and the antennal stubs are yellow. For more images of this distinctive species, see here: BG. | Recorded counties across the state, uncommon; rarely encountered. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures. Adults have been found on Acer (maples). (UDEL) | |||||||||
| Apache degeeri | A stunning species, ranging in color from red to pink to purple. The wing venation is reddish, and there are dark spots between the veins and also along the wing tips. The thorax is concolorous with the wings, and the abdomen and head are either red, pink, or purple (depending on the color form). The head itself is stunning, and depending on the individual, the facial features can be quite developed. The top outer edge of the head is white, giving the appearance of "eyebrows", and the lower outer edge of the head is a row of alternating black and white marks. Sometimes the appendages on the face can give the appearance of a mouth (especially a boldly marked individual like above). The legs are whitish, with reddish bases. | Recorded across the state, an uncommon species; probably more abundant in the right habitat. | Has been found in mixed hardwood forest, possible in other habitats. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures. Adults have been associated with: Fagus (Beach, Fagaceae), Quercus (nymphs under bark) (Oak, Fagaceae), Acer (maple, Aceraceae), and Carya (Hickory, Juglandaceae). (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Otiocerus wolfii | A pale species with a forked, dusky mark on each of the wings that extends from the corner of the eyes along the thorax. Small dark spots cover parts of the wings. The tip of the head has a black line, followed by a broad red line leading to the top corner of each eye; for a close-up image of the characteristic head pattern, see here. Sometimes the orange antennal appendages can be quite developed and intricate, as with this individual; these well-developed appendages can produce a "mouth" along the face when viewed from the side. Adults are roughly 10.25 mm long. (UDEL) | Uncommon to locally common, recorded across the state; possibly more abundant in the right habitat. | Probably mixed hardwood forest. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures. Adults have been found on Acer and Fagus. (UDEL). | ||||||||
| Otiocerus francilloni | A species with a dark, narrow broken band on pale wings; many small dark spots cover the wings, between the venation. There is a black smudge on the sides of the head. The body is also pale, with spots on the abdomen as well. Adults are 7.5 mm long (BHL). For images of this species, see here: BG. | Recorded once in the Coastal Plain. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | |||||||||
| Neocenchrea heidemanni | A pale, mostly white species with elongated wings and a slim, slender body structure. There are two main areas of color, on the thorax & head and the antennae. A broad white midline, beginning on the head and extending across the thorax, separates two orange patches that cover the sides of the thorax and head. The antennae are also orange. | Recorded from several counties in the Piedmont and mountains, pretty uncommon; possibly more abundant in the right habitat. | Has been found near mixed hardwood forest. | Arecaceae | ||||||||
| Paramysidia mississippiensis | A distinctive pale species; no other species in the state resembles it. The wings are large and generally pale, with black venation, dark smudges on the hindwings, and dark marks on the forewings. The body is pale to light brown in color, sometimes reddish. This species can be mistaken for a moth. For images of a couple individuals, see: 1, 2. | Recorded in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain; can be quite abundant where found. | Has been found in swampy, marshy habitat. | Sabal palmetto (cabbage palmetto, Arecaceae), Acer (Maple, Aceraceae) (UDEL) | ||||||||
| sciName | description | abundance | habitat | food | ||||||||
| Cedusa zaxoza | Adults are dark-bluish overall with yellowish-brown legs. There is a slight, faint curved row of white spots at the base of the wing cells, along the apical crossveins; this may not always be very noticeable. The male phallus (reproductive claspers) has two medium-sized, trapezoidal 'plates' that are noticeably projected forward posteriorly on the outer edge; these plates are smaller and distinctive from the phallus of many of the other blue Cedusas (see image above). | Rare, known from a single county on the coast, possibly more abundant in this region. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | |||||||||
| Cedusa woodsholensis | One record from the Sandhills in the lower Piedmont; possibly more abundant in that region. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||||
| Cedusa vulgaris | Adults are bluish overall (dark bluish-black wings with lighter blue waxy coating, characteristic of the blue Cedusas) with orangeish legs. The male phallus (reproductive claspers) is large, long and broad; the claspers are in the shape of hooks that curve inwards and upwards near the tips (see pic above). The phallus on this species very closely mirrors that of C. redusa, so may not be distinguishable in the field. However, C. vulgaris specimens have shown to have darker wings and pronotums from the C. redusa specimen, though not sure if this is an actual distinguishing characteristic. Adults range in length from around 4.9 to 5.2 mm. | Scattered records across the state. | Photographed specimens here taken from a mixed hard and softwood forest. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures. Adults associate with Crataegus (hawthorn, Rosaceae), on which they are considered a pest. (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Cedusa shawi | Unclear where in the state this species has been reported. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||||
| Cedusa redusa | Bluish overall with blue wings, thorax, body, and head; typical of most members of this genus. The legs are pale orange. The male phallus (reproductive claspers) is large, long and broad; the claspers are in the shape of hooks that curve inwards near the tips (see pic above). | Scattered records across the state; probably more abundant in the right habitat. | Has been found near mixed hardwood forest. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||
| Cedusa olseni | Adults are dark-bluish overall with yellowish-brown legs. There is a slight, faint curved row of white spots at the base of the wing cells, along the apical crossveins. The male phallus (reproductive claspers) has two medium-sized, oval-shaped 'plates' that are smaller and distinctive from the phallus of many of the other blue Cedusas (see image above). | Previously recorded from somewhere in the state, recently collected from the mountains. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | |||||||||
| Cedusa obscura | Adults are bluish overall (dark bluish-black wings with lighter blue waxy coating, characteristic of the blue Cedusas) with dark, orangeish legs. The male phallus (reproductive claspers) has two large, broad 'plates' that almost resemble clam shells, distinctive from many of the other blue Cedusas (see image above). | Recorded from the Coastal Plain and eastern Piedmont. | Has been found in grassy, brushy habitat near forest edge. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||
| sciName | description | abundance | habitat | food | ||||||||
| Cedusa minuenda | Reported from a couple counties in the Coastal Plain. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||||
| Cedusa metcalfi | Recorded from the Sandhills in the Piedmont. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||||
| Cedusa mallochi | Bluish overall, with blue wings, thorax, and head; the abdominal segments have reddish-orange edges. There is a small curved row of white dots along the base of the cells near the wing tips. The male phallus (reproductive claspers) are broad and long, with the claspers themselves thin and curved, forming a circular space in between (see pic above). The legs are pale yellowish, and the underside of the thorax is reddish with yellow-lined abdominal segments. | Scattered records across the state, mostly in the eastern Piedmont. | Has been found in field-like habitat. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures. Adults reported from Rosa (Rosaceae). (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Cedusa maculata | A distinctive, boldly-marked species. Grayish to blackish overall, with dark spots on the wings giving a mottled appearance; this is the only Cedusa to have pale venation. The legs are colored similarly to that of the wings. | Uncommon to locally common, with scattered records across the state, mostly in the Piedmont; possibly more abundant in the right habitat. | Has been found near mixed hardwood forest. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||
| Cedusa kedusa | Bluish overall with uniformly blue wings, thorax, and head. There is a slight, faint curved row of white spots at the base of the wing cells near the tips, along the apical crossveins; this may not always be present. The legs are yellowish, and the abdominal segments seem to be outlined in yellow. The phallus (reproductive claspers) are well-developed and very large in mature individuals (see above); the phallus has a claw-like, jagged shape to the opening. The lower branch of the subapical process of the male genitalia is bufurcate, sometimes bearing teeth (C. Bartlett pers. comments). | A couple records from the mountains and Coastal Plain. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures. Adults have been associated with Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore, Platanaceae). (UDEL) | |||||||||
| Cedusa incisa | Bluish overall with uniformly blue wings, thorax, and head; there is a slight, faint curved row of white spots at the base of wing cells near the tips. The legs are yellowish with black feet, and the abdominal segments seem to be outlined in yellow. The phallus (reproductive claspers) are well-developed and very large in mature individuals (see above); the phallus has a key-like, jagged shape to the opening. See here for the underside of a female, which shows the sternite is yellowish. | Recorded from the mountains where this species can occur in large numbers, with hundreds to thousands inhabiting fields; probably more abundant throughout the mountains in the right habitat. | Has been found in a variety of habitats: open forest, field and brushy vegetation, near mixed hardwood forest, etc. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures. Adults have been associated with: Betula (birch, Betulaceae) and Andropogon (Poaceae), and have been found in large numbers resting on milkweed and other field vegetation. (UDEL). | ||||||||
| Cedusa edentula | Bluish-red overall. The head, thorax, and legs are reddish-orange, and much of the wings have a reddish tinge; the tips of the wings have a bluish tinge to them. The abdomen is a bright red. The male phallus (reproductive claspers) are narrow and very close together, distinctive from other members of this genus; note their shape in the image above. | Recorded from several counties across the state, uncommon to rare. | Has been found along forest edge, near mixed hardwood forest and pine forest. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). Adults have been found on pine and beech. | ||||||||
| sciName | description | abundance | habitat | food | ||||||||
| Cedusa chuluota | Several records from the eastern Piedmont and southeastern Coastal Plain. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures. Adults have been found on Woodwardia (chainfern, Blechnaceae). (UDEL) | ||||||||||
| Cedusa carolinensis | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | |||||||||||
| Cedusa bedusa | A couple records from the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. | Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures (UDEL). | ||||||||||
| Aphelonema simplex | A sexually dimorphic species, with the males reddish in color and the females, slightly larger, a tan to light brown color. The very short, flat head is very distinctive; the front of the head is circular in shape. (UDEL) | This species can be locally abundant; it is primarily coastal in the state, having been recorded from several counties in the Coastal Plain. | Coastal marshes, cordgrass habitat | Spartina patens (cordgrass, Poaceae) (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Aphelonema decoratum | A striking bicolored species. The head, thorax, and legs are orange-tan, with the rest of the dorsum blackish-brown. The wings are a bold, contrasting black color. | A single record from the coast; likely under sampled and more present in saltmarshes. | Saltmarshes | Sedges; Spartina alterniflora, Spartina patens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Panicum repens (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Bruchomorpha oculata | A uniformly dark, shiny species, typically metallic black in color with only a trace of a pale median stripe that extends from the head onto the thorax. The 'nose' or head projection is slightly bulbous and protrudes down and out. The eyes are dark brown, and the legs are yellow to reddish-brown. Adults are 1.8-3.0 mm long, sometimes longer. (Doering, 1939) Nymphs resemble the adults, showing the characteristic head projection. Nymphs are brownish in color and can have a thin, pale median line extending across the whole body. The legs are yellow like the adults. For more images of this species, see: BG. | The most common and abundant piglet in NC, the one most frequently encountered. Recorded across the state, with a majority of the records in the Piedmont. Can be locally common where found. | Has been found in grassy, brushy, field-type habitat and forest edge. | Eragrostis curvula (weeping lovegrass) (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Bruchomorpha dorsata | Shining black overall with a bold white dorsal stripe extending from the tip of the abdomen to the tip of the head (UDEL). The legs and underside are brownish, and the face is relatively flat, sloping downwards; this is a key characteristic differentiating from the similar B. extensa. Adults are around 3 mm long. Nymphs are light brown overall, showing the pale stripe down the middle of the body and head. | Recorded from a few counties in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain; possibly more abundant in the right habitat. | Has been found in grassy open areas near pine forest | Eragrostis curvula (weeping lovegrass) (UDEL) | ||||||||
| sciName | description | abundance | habitat | food | ||||||||
| Rhynchomitra recurva | A green species that resembles R. microrhina except for the head length and shape. In recurva, the head is not as long and as tapered as that of microrhina (which has a long, pointed and strongly tapered head), but not as short as that of lingula; recurva's head is stout and not sharply pointed. When viewed dorsally, the head has a rounded shape to it rather than elongated and pointed. Nymphs are supposedly darker than those of R. microrhina, being dark brown in color. For a couple images of nice adults, see here and here. For images of a specimen, see: 3I. | Recorded from several counties in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, possibly more abundant in the right habitat; very uncommon to rare. | Has been found near mixed hardwood forest. | Eragrostis curvula (weeping lovegrass, Poaceae) (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Rhynchomitra microrhina | A green species with a long, tapered, sharply pointed head. The legs and outer margin of part of the wings can be orange-brown, and the wing venation is green. For more images of a pinned adult, see here: UDEL. Nymphs are light brownish-orange overall, showing the characteristicly long, tapered head found in the adult. | A somewhat common species, found across the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. | Has been found in grassy fields, as well as near mixed hardwood forest. | Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush, Rubiaceae), Eragrostis curvula (weeping lovegrass, Poaceae), Hibiscus moscheutos (crimsoneyed rosemallow, Malvaceae) (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Rhynchomitra lingula | A greenish species with a fairly short, rounded head (compared to other members of this genus). The wing venation is greenish, otherwise the wings are clear. The legs are brownish-orange. See here for an image of a live adult, and here for images of a pinned specimen: (1) and (2). | Recorded from a few counties in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain; possibly more abundant in the state, especially near the coast. | Serenoa repens (saw palmetto; Araceae) (UDEL) | |||||||||
| Scolops sulcipes Partridge Planthopper | This species is dark brown overall, with light brown legs and head. There is a dense meshwork of veins on the wings with white speckling, characteristic of this species. Adults are 5 to 7 mm long. The head process/projection extends well away from the rest of the body, giving the impression of a long 'nose' on this species. Nymphs are green with a long, slender 'nose', characteristic of the genus. For more images of pinned specimens of this species, see this page: UDEL. | Scattered records across the state, primarily in the western Piedmont; possibly more abundant in the right habitat. | Has been found in grassy, brushy habitat. | Convolvulus (bindweed), Solidago, Fleabane (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Scolops stonei | Recorded from the state, but unclear from where: 3I. | Stillingia sylvatica, ssp. sylvatica (UDEL) | ||||||||||
| Scolops pungens | A brownish species with mottled wings, similar to that of S. perdix but with more mottling. See here for images of a pinned specimen: (1), (2). | Scattered records across the state, possibly more abundant in the right habitat. | Ambrosia artemisiifolia (annual ragweed) (UDEL) | |||||||||
| Scolops perdix | A brownish species with mottled brown and white wing venation. See here for images of a pinned specimen: (1), (2). | Recorded from a single county in the Piedmont; possibly more abundant in the right habitat. | Helianthus angustifolius (swamp sunflower) (UDEL) | |||||||||
| sciName | description | abundance | habitat | food | ||||||||
| Scolops angustatus | This species has dark wings with a characteristic, distinctive white wing margin. Additionally, the head process/projection (the 'nose') is not as long as other members of this genus. See here for a nice image of a live adult, and here for images of a pinned specimen: (1), (2). | Recorded from several counties in the Piedmont; possibly more abundant across the state. | ? | |||||||||
| Nersia florida | Adults are greenish overall with a wedge-shaped, short head that is not upcurved. The pronotum is shallowly notched. The sides of the head and thorax are edged with white, and the legs are mostly green. The wings themselves are mostly clear and appear fragile, contrasting with the wings of Rhynchomitra. See UDEL for images of a pinned specimen. Nymphs are highly mottled overall, with a mixture of white and brownish marks, sometimes with a greenish tint. The vertex is short and shaped similarly to the adults. | Scattered records from the Piedmont and Coastal Plain; possibly more abundant in the right habitat, but likely a fairly uncommon species in the state. | ||||||||||
| Phylloscelis rubra Cranberry Toad Bug | This species has a brown to black body with light brown wings. There is a bold white band around the front of the body. See here for several pics of a pinned specimen: (1), (2), (3). For images of live individuals, see: BG. | Recorded from Bladen county in the Coastal Plain, possibly more abundant near the coast. | Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry. Ericaceae) (UDEL) | |||||||||
| Phylloscelis pallescens | Pale to brownish overall, sometimes even blackish, with white speckling all over the body and wings. There is a white band near the tip of each leg as well. Adults are around 5 mm long. See here for an image of a live adult, and here for several images of pinned specimens: (1), (2), (3). | Previously reported from the state, but unclear from where. | Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (narrowleaf mountainmint; Lamiaceae) (UDEL) | |||||||||
| Phylloscelis atra Black Leaf-leg | A variable species with several different color forms, ranging from completely black to brownish overall to boldly marked with pale lines. The length of the wings can also vary among individuals, from more rounded to longer, more rectangular (above pics). The head is not projected, being short and stout in profile, and the legs are enlarged and long. In the black form at least the insides of the legs are speckled with small white spots. Nymphs are brownish overall with pale abdominal segments, pale speckling over the body, and several groups of pale hairs extending from tip of the abdomen. | Recorded recently from the western Piedmont, especially on top of Pilot Mountain; possibly more abundant in the state, especially in higher elevation areas like the mountains. | Has been found in grassy, brushy habitat near forest edge. | Rhus copallina (winged sumac, Anacardiaceae) (UDEL) | ||||||||
| Philaronia canadensis | This species externally resembles the Meadow Spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) but does not have the raised wing veins of Philaenus. Unlike Philaenus, in which the wing veins are not distinct, Philaronia have dark, distinct [and noticeable] veins that branch towards the edges of the wings. This is a dark species (as seen in the pics above), with a combination of gray and black on the body. The wings are covered with pale hairs, characteristic of this genus, that stand out against the dark body (see pics above); in Philaenus, the hairs are not as prominent as they are transparent and blend in with the underlying wing color. For a nice comparison between wings of Philaronia vs. Philaenus, showing hairs and veination, click here. The antennal ledge, located above the base of the antennae, is also contrastingly redder than the rest of the face. Females, which have dark faces, are 6.0-6.7 mm in length while males, which have a mostly yellowish face, are 5.4-6.2 mm long. (BG). This is also the only spittlebug genus with orange nymphs; click here for an image of a Philaronia nymph. | A rare species, P. canadensis has only been recorded from a single county. However, it has previously been reported to occur in the state per the literature. | Has been recorded recently in a montane meadow with brushy vegetation; there is probably a higher likelihood of finding this species where there is Goldenrod. Additionally, in Ontario this species has been found in river bottoms and along lake shores (BG). | Nymphs probably feed on the subterranean parts of herbaceous plants; adults have been found on Goldenrod (Solidago) (Hamilton, 1982) | ||||||||
| Sibovia occatoria Yellow-striped Leafhopper | A very distinctive species with two color forms. The normal phase has a mostly black body with yellow stripes and a yellow underside and legs. There is also a pinkish/red phase with red replacing the black on the body. This reddish phase appears to be less common than the typical form. Nymphs of this species at present are unknown. | An uncommon to common species, recorded from all three regions of the state; probably more abundant in the right habitat. | Has been recorded in the state in grassy, brushy areas (including microstygium) and mixed hardwood forest edge. | |||||||||
| sciName | description | abundance | habitat | food | ||||||||
| Cuerna costalis Lateral-lined Sharpshooter | A large, dark, black and red species; the wings are reddish with black venation. There is a conspicuous white stripe running along the sides of the abdomen to the head, wrapping around the crown. Both the blackish head and thorax are sprinkled with orangish marks, particularly along the anterior margin of the pronotum; the scutellum is a mixture of orange and black. The final two segments of the abdomen are largely red, and the legs are a bright, bold red. Nymphs are pretty distinctive, having repetitive black and yellowish-white stripes over their bodies and dark eyes. However, the nymphs do show the red-black legs (the red on the inner part of the leg) that are characteristic of the adults. Click here for more images of the adults and nymphs. | Locally common, recorded across the entire state. | Found in fields, meadows, and other habitats with tall grass such as open forest. | This species has dozens of host plants, including Rudbeckia and Monarda. Click here for a list of host plants: Host Plants. | ||||||||