Draeculacephala bradleyi
This record describes Draeculacephala bradleyi (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A green white-veined species with an underside much darker than any other Draeculacephala in the Eastern U.S. Some males can have paler faces, so clear views from different angles are important. The anterior pronotum of bradleyi is often vermiformly marked in a similar (but less pronounced) manner to D. inscripta . This alone is not diagnostic-some forms of other species carry the markings on the pronotum as well, but these markings are much more pronounced on bradleyi . Occasionally this species may also present two spots on the scutellum, which are usually rather pale compared to the likes of D. inscripta or D. paludosa . Both sexes have a brown thorax and abdomen. Males have somewhat blunt heads (compared to other members of the genus) that are around the same length of the pronotum or slightly shorter, while females have very elongated and pointy heads. note dark, black face of females:
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
Geographic Range
Southeastern US & Cuba (Isle of Pines). An uncommon to rare species in most locations.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Draeculacephala bradleyi (Van Duzee, 1915)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Draeculacephala bradleyi. 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 bradleyi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by v belov , TurtleDude , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Draeculacephala bradleyi
What is Draeculacephala bradleyi?
Draeculacephala bradleyi is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Draeculacephala bradleyi?
♂♂ < 6.6.mm, ♀♀ < 8.0mm
How do you identify Draeculacephala bradleyi?
A green white-veined species with an underside much darker than any other Draeculacephala in the Eastern U.S. Some males can have paler faces, so clear views from different angles are important. The anterior pronotum of bradleyi is often vermiformly marked in a similar (but less pronounced) manner to D. inscripta . This alone is not diagnostic-some forms of other species carry the markings on the pronotum as well, but these markings are much more pronounced on bradleyi . Occasionally this species may also present two spots on the scutellum, which are usually rather pale compared to the likes of D. inscripta or D. paludosa . Both sexes have a brown thorax and abdomen. Males have somewhat blunt heads (compared to other members of the genus) that are around the same length of the pronotum or slightly shorter, while females have very elongated and pointy heads. note dark, black face of females:
Where is Draeculacephala bradleyi found?
Range: Southeastern US & Cuba (Isle of Pines). An uncommon to rare species in most locations.