Oecleus excavatus
Ball, 1902
Oecleus excavatus is a of planthopper in the Cixiidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini, a group of small, often inconspicuous planthoppers associated with woody plants. Species in this are characterized by distinctive and pronotal structures. This species has been recorded from several southwestern and western U.S. states.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oecleus excavatus: /ˈiː.kliː.əs ɛks.kəˈveɪ.təs/
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Identification
Members of Oecleus are distinguished from other cixiid by the excavated or concave margin of the , which gives the genus its name. Specific identification of O. excavatus requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with closely related such as O. borealis and O. nymphaeus. The specific epithet 'excavatus' refers to this excavated head structure.
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Oecleus borealisOverlapping distribution and similar ; requires genital dissection for separation.
- Oecleus nymphaeusSimilar body form and coloration; distinguished by subtle differences in structure and male genitalia.