Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Described by
Van Duzee in 1892
considered by
Metcalf in 1967 to be synonymous with
Deltocephalus flavicosta, but recognized by more recent authors as a distinct species
separated from
Deltocephalus into a new genus (
Planicephalus) by J.P. Kramer in 1971 (see bottom of
this page) but the erection of a new genus is considered unjustified in a comment
here by Andy Hamilton, who treats
Planicephalus as a subgenus of
DeltocephalusExplanation of Names
Latin flavus = "pale yellow" + costata = "ribbed" (in the specialized sense of the leading edge of the wing, which is referred to by entomologists as the costa). This is no doubt a reference to the yellow strip on the costa.
Identification
Adult: dark brown to blackish with yellow strip along anterior two-thirds of costa, terminating in a short white oblique dash; another short white dash nearer to wingtip, projecting at right-angles in from costa; several whitish dots on front of head; legs pale brown; eyes large, dark brown
Range
United States and southern Canada
the related Deltocephalus flavicosta, described by Stål in 1862, occurs from southern United States south to Argentina
Internet References
pinned adult image (Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota)
synonyms according to Metcalf, 1967 and combined distribution of
D. flavocostatus and
D. flavicosta (US Dept. of Agriculture)
