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description |
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. |
distribution |
Eastern and central United States, Ontario, and Mexico (UDEL) |
abundance |
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. |
seasonal_occurrence | |
habitat |
Has been found in grassy, brushy habitat near forest edge. |
plant associates |
Rhus copallina (winged sumac, Anacardiaceae) (UDEL) |
behavior |
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comments |
This species is a beetle mimic. It lives together with the leaf beetle Cryptocephalus on wild mint, and the brightly marked form is a good imitation of the beetle. (BG) |
status |
[Native:]
[Introduced:]
[Extirpated:] | list_type |
[Official:]
[Provisional:] |
adult_id | Unmistakable and widely known Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens Identifiable from photos showing undersides, or other specialized views [e.g., legs, face] Identifiable only by close inspection of structural features or by DNA analysis NULL |
nymph_id | Unmistakable and widely known Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants Identifiable from close inspection of specimens or by DNA analysis Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood NULL |
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Species Photo Gallery for Phylloscelis atra Black Leaf-leg |
![](photos_records/2013/tnPhylloscelis_atra1388524040.jpg) | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf Surry Co. Comment: grassy, brushy habitat near forest edge | ![](photos_records/2013/tnPhylloscelis_atra1388524065.jpg) | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf Surry Co. Comment: grassy, brushy habitat near forest edge |
![](photos_records/2013/tnPhylloscelis_atra1388524084.jpg) | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf Surry Co. Comment: grassy, brushy habitat near forest edge | ![](photos_records/2013/tnPhylloscelis_atra1388524104.jpg) | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf Surry Co. Comment: grassy, brushy habitat near forest edge |
![](photos_records/2013/tnPhylloscelis_atra1388524119.jpg) | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf Surry Co. Comment: grassy, brushy habitat near forest edge | ![](photos_records/2013/tnPhylloscelis_atra1388524133.jpg) | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf Surry Co. Comment: grassy, brushy habitat near forest edge |
![](photos_records/2021/10/tnPhylloscelis_atra1634092791_0.JPG) | Photo by: Rob Van Epps Mecklenburg Co. Comment: Caught sweeping | ![](photos_records/2021/10/tnPhylloscelis_atra1634225318.jpeg) | Photo by: Rob Van Epps Mecklenburg Co. Comment: Caught sweeping |
![](photos_records/2023/08/tnPhylloscelis_atra1692023843_0.jpg) | Photo by: Rob Van Epps Mecklenburg Co. Comment: Caught several sweeping in weedy field. All but one were this color pattern. | ![](photos_records/2023/08/tnPhylloscelis_atra1692023843_2.jpg) | Photo by: Rob Van Epps Mecklenburg Co. Comment: Caught several sweeping in weedy field. All but one were this color pattern. |
![](photos_records/2023/09/tnPhylloscelis_atra1693671152.jpg) | Photo by: Rob Van Epps Mecklenburg Co. Comment: Caught several sweeping in weedy field. All but one were this color pattern. |