Eastern Gamagrass Leafhopper
Baldulus tripsaci
This record describes Baldulus tripsaci (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Known only from Maryland and Florida, likely widespread throughout eastern U.S. Reported from Florida rather recently.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Cicadellidae (Typical Leafhoppers)
- Subfamily
- Deltocephalinae
- Tribe
- Macrostelini
- Genus
- Baldulus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
MD, FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: specialist on Tripascum dactyloides , eastern gamagrass
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Baldulus tripsaci Kramer & Whitcomb, 1968
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Baldulus tripsaci. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Eastern Gamagrass Leafhopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Solomon V. Hendrix
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Gamagrass Leafhopper
What is Eastern Gamagrass Leafhopper?
Eastern Gamagrass Leafhopper (Baldulus tripsaci) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Eastern Gamagrass Leafhopper?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | 3.0-3.6mm |
| Females | 3.8-4.1mm |
Where is Eastern Gamagrass Leafhopper found?
Range: MD, FL
What does Eastern Gamagrass Leafhopper eat?
The diet of the Eastern Gamagrass Leafhopper includes specialist on Tripascum dactyloides , eastern gamagrass.