Draeculacephala balli
This record describes Draeculacephala balli (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very distinct species with two black triangles on the head (postocellar maculae) and two black triangles at the anterior of the scutellum. This species sometimes has a dark dash on the vertex and the dot in the centre of the crown can sometimes be somewhat bold. This species is most often green, but rare blue forms exist as well. This species is most closely related to D. bradleyi . Rare blue form:
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
- Cicadellinae
- Tribe
- Cicadellini
- Genus
- Draeculacephala
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grasslands, lawns, etc.
Geographic Range
Relatively common in the coastal plain and Piedmont southeastern United States. Less common westward of this region, but present up to Oklahoma.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Grasses
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Draeculacephala balli (Van Duzee, 1915)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Draeculacephala balli. 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 Draeculacephala balli (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Draeculacephala balli
What is Draeculacephala balli?
Draeculacephala balli is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Draeculacephala balli?
♂♂ 4.8-5.5 mm, ♀♀ 6.0-6.7 mm
How do you identify Draeculacephala balli?
A very distinct species with two black triangles on the head (postocellar maculae) and two black triangles at the anterior of the scutellum. This species sometimes has a dark dash on the vertex and the dot in the centre of the crown can sometimes be somewhat bold. This species is most often green, but rare blue forms exist as well.
Where is Draeculacephala balli found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Grasslands, lawns, etc. |
| Range | Relatively common in the coastal plain and Piedmont southeastern United States. Less common westward of this region, but present up to Oklahoma. |
What does Draeculacephala balli eat?
The diet of the Draeculacephala balli includes Grasses.