Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Originally: Strachia histrionica (Hahn, 1834)
Explanation of Names
Author of the name: Hahn. Year first published: 1834.
From Greek histrio clown, jester (apparently, refers to the color pattern)
Identification
Brightly patterned with black and orange or red. The amount of black varies considerably.
Range
Mainly southern parts of the United States - usually no farther north than Pennsylvania and Colorado.
Food
Sucks on juices of plants in the mustard/cabbage family (Brassicaceae). Can be a very serious crop pest.
Life Cycle
Eggs (like little white barrels with two black hoops around) hatch into nymphs, which molt several times before becoming reproductive adults. Nymphs are unable to fly - only the adults have fully developed wings. The entire life cycle takes 50 - 80 days. Winter is spent in the adult stage.
