Draeculacephala portola
This record describes Draeculacephala portola (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This green species is mostly unmarked dorsally. It has an inflated face, an uncommon trait in the genus shared only in the U.S. by D. paludosa and the very different D. floridana . This species has white to blue wing venation with dark thoracic sterna and mostly brown abdominal sterna. Holotype female: Allotype male (note inflated face): This species is one of the few specialist species in Draeculacephala and is rarely encountered. Given its nature of being restricted to coastal dune habitats, it is very rare and likely threatened by coastal development. (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
Coastal dunes
Geographic Range
Southeastern U.S. (rare)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Beach grass
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Draeculacephala portola (Ball, 1927)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Draeculacephala portola. 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 portola (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kyle Kittelberger; Additional contributions by v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Draeculacephala portola
What is Draeculacephala portola?
Draeculacephala portola is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Draeculacephala portola?
♂♂ ~8mm, ♀♀ 9.9-10.6mm
How do you identify Draeculacephala portola?
This green species is mostly unmarked dorsally. It has an inflated face, an uncommon trait in the genus shared only in the U.S. by D. paludosa and the very different D. floridana . This species has white to blue wing venation with dark thoracic sterna and mostly brown abdominal sterna. Holotype female: Allotype male (note inflated face):
Where is Draeculacephala portola found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Coastal dunes |
| Range | Southeastern U.S. (rare) |
What does Draeculacephala portola eat?
The diet of the Draeculacephala portola includes Beach grass.