Draeculacephala constricta
This record describes Draeculacephala constricta (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A generally unmarked green species with white wing venation. Males of this species most often has a yellow/tan underside and face unlike other common members of the genus (besides D. mollipes , which has blue venation). This species is most easily compared to D. antica which looks nearly identical from above. Notably, this species does not have a downcurve at the front of the head, in turn causing the muscle scars on the face to appear much straighter than in antica . Obtaining a length can be very important in the identification of this species-it is among the smaller members of the genus. The black line from the apex of the head to behind the eye is less bold than in antica . see remarks page for mollipes
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
U.S. east of Rocky Mts. A somewhat uncommon species found as for northeast as Nova Scotia.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to mid-October in the Northeastern U.S.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Grasses
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Draeculacephala constricta (Davidson & DeLong, 1943)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Draeculacephala constricta. 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 constricta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John Rosenfeld; Additional contributions by v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Draeculacephala constricta
What is Draeculacephala constricta?
Draeculacephala constricta is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Draeculacephala constricta?
♂♂ < 6.6mm, ♀♀ < 8.0mm
How do you identify Draeculacephala constricta?
A generally unmarked green species with white wing venation. Males of this species most often has a yellow/tan underside and face unlike other common members of the genus (besides D. mollipes , which has blue venation). This species is most easily compared to D. antica which looks nearly identical from above. Notably, this species does not have a downcurve at the front of the head, in turn causing the muscle scars on the face to appear much straighter than in antica . Obtaining a length can be very important in the identification of this species-it is among the smaller members of the genus. The black line from the apex of the head to behind the eye is less bold than in antica .
Where is Draeculacephala constricta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Grasslands, lawns, etc. |
| Range | U.S. east of Rocky Mts. A somewhat uncommon species found as for northeast as Nova Scotia. |
What does Draeculacephala constricta eat?
The diet of the Draeculacephala constricta includes Grasses.
When is Draeculacephala constricta active?
Draeculacephala constricta: seasonal activity - Late May to mid-October in the Northeastern U.S..