Draeculacephala navicula
This record describes Draeculacephala navicula (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A *nearly* always unmarked yellow-green species, it's morphologically somewhat similar to Draeculacephala antica and D. bradleyi . Unlike D. antica , males have a pale tan face and underside, lacking mesosternal maculae. Both males and females have very long heads-females often look as if they have been pinched at the tip and stretched outwards, similar to D. producta . However, this trait can be found in southern antica that share the same range, so it is imperative that clear photos of the underside are taken. This species lacks the decurved tip of the head seen in antica note pale underside: female (left) seen with mesosternal maculae:
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
Texas, Oklahoma (BG and iNat records) and Mexico; possibly elsewhere in the southwest.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Grasses
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Draeculacephala navicula (Hamilton, 1985)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Draeculacephala navicula. 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 navicula (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by John Schneider , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Draeculacephala navicula
What is Draeculacephala navicula?
Draeculacephala navicula is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Draeculacephala navicula?
♂♂ 6.2-6.6mm, ♀♀ 7.6-8.4mm
How do you identify Draeculacephala navicula?
A *nearly* always unmarked yellow-green species, it's morphologically somewhat similar to Draeculacephala antica and D. bradleyi . Unlike D. antica , males have a pale tan face and underside, lacking mesosternal maculae. Both males and females have very long heads-females often look as if they have been pinched at the tip and stretched outwards, similar to D. producta . However, this trait can be found in southern antica that share the same range, so it is imperative that clear photos of the underside are taken. This species lacks the decurved tip of the head seen in antica note pale underside: female (left) seen with mesosternal maculae:
Where is Draeculacephala navicula found?
Range: Texas, Oklahoma (BG and iNat records) and Mexico; possibly elsewhere in the southwest.
What does Draeculacephala navicula eat?
The diet of the Draeculacephala navicula includes Grasses.