Cyrtolobus dixianus
Woodruff, 1924
Cyrtolobus dixianus is a in the Membracidae, described by L. B. Woodruff in 1924. It is one of the largest species in its , with pronounced in coloration. are active in spring and feed on several oak species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cyrtolobus dixianus: //sɜːrtəˈloʊbəs dɪkˈsaɪənəs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Cyrtolobus by its relatively large size and distinct in pronotal coloration—males with dark brown and yellow-spotted pronota versus green in females. The combination of size, color pattern, and association with oak helps separate it from in the eastern United States.
Images
Appearance
males average approximately 6.5 mm in length; females average approximately 7 mm. The pronotum is dark brown with yellow spots in males, green in females. The is yellowish-green in males and pale brown in females.
Habitat
Associated with oak forests and woodlands. occur on oak trees.
Distribution
Midwestern and southeastern United States. Documented from Alabama, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Seasonality
active in April and May.
Diet
Phloem feeder on oaks (Quercus spp.), including Quercus alba, Q. falcata, Q. palustris, and Q. stellata.
Host Associations
- Quercus alba -
- Quercus falcata -
- Quercus palustris -
- Quercus stellata -
Similar Taxa
- Other Cyrtolobus speciesSmaller size and different pronotal coloration patterns; C. dixianus is notably larger than most .
More Details
Taxonomic history
First described by L. B. Woodruff in 1924. The specific epithet 'dixianus' refers to the southern United States (Dixie region), reflecting its core distribution.