Draeculacephala paludosa
This record describes Draeculacephala paludosa (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has very dark dorsal markings which superficially resemble the southern D. inscripta . Most notably, this species has a somewhat inflated face, two dark spots on the scutellum, and very dark markings on the anterior pronotum and the head. The wing venation can range from pale to blue. The thoracic sterna of the species are a dark brown, while the abdominal sterna are most often yellow or tan. It will not be found in grasslands or lawns like most members of the genus. This is one of the few specialist species in Draeculacephala and is rarely encountered. Young and Davidson (1959) considered this a subspecies of D. portola , but Hamilton (1985) argued convincingly for the recognition of D. paludosa as a distinct species. - Dietrich, 1994
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
Near bodies of water such as rivers, streams, lakes, etc.
Geographic Range
Great Lakes region; northern U.S. and southern Canada
Diet and Behavior
Diet: river bulrush ( Bolboschoenus fluviatilis )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Draeculacephala paludosa Ball & China, 1933
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Draeculacephala paludosa. 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 paludosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Draeculacephala paludosa
What is Draeculacephala paludosa?
Draeculacephala paludosa is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Draeculacephala paludosa?
♂ > 8mm, ♀> 10mm
How do you identify Draeculacephala paludosa?
This species has very dark dorsal markings which superficially resemble the southern D. inscripta . Most notably, this species has a somewhat inflated face, two dark spots on the scutellum, and very dark markings on the anterior pronotum and the head. The wing venation can range from pale to blue. The thoracic sterna of the species are a dark brown, while the abdominal sterna are most often yellow or tan. It will not be found in grasslands or lawns like most members of the genus.
Where is Draeculacephala paludosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Near bodies of water such as rivers, streams, lakes, etc. |
| Range | Great Lakes region; northern U.S. and southern Canada |
What does Draeculacephala paludosa eat?
The diet of the Draeculacephala paludosa includes river bulrush ( Bolboschoenus fluviatilis ).