Common Cactus Dodger
Cacama valvata
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
- Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
- Superfamily: Cicadoidea
- Family: Cicadidae
- Subfamily: Cicadinae
- Tribe: Tacuini
- Genus: Cacama
- Species: valvata
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cacama valvata: /kəˈkɑːmə vælˈveɪtə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Cacama valvata, commonly known as the common cactus dodger, is a widespread cicada species found in arid scrub regions across the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. It exhibits distinct physical characteristics that help differentiate it from closely related species, though misidentifications are common.
Physical Characteristics
Described as a dark species with greyish straw-colored venter and dark wing bases. The basal area of the forewings is darkened and opaque anteriorly, and slightly translucent posteriorly. The anal membranes of all four wings are greyish with an occasional pale ochreous-orangish tinge. The first cell at the base of the wing is dark anteriorly and blends to an ochreous-tan. Basal wing veins may be tan or straw-colored, not variegated with orange. The pronotum is dark.
Identification Tips
Cacama valvata can be confused with C. moorei and other species like C. dissimilis and C. furcata. Notable differences include the lack of distinctive orange coloration on the opercula and venter that is found in C. moorei.
Habitat
Arid scrub environments.
Distribution
Southwestern USA and adjacent Mexico, including areas in Texas, Oklahoma, southern Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some images attributed to Cacama valvata may actually depict Cacama moorei, due to similar morphology and overlapping distribution in Arizona.
Tags
- cicada
- Cacama
- hemiptera
- insects