Draeculacephala producta
This record describes Draeculacephala producta (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A usually unmistakable species-at least outside of the Cuban range-this species is easily recognised by blue wing venation/pronotal lines and a greatly produced head (as if stretched out from the tip). Also differentiating it from the similar D. robinsoni is the fact that the male abdominal sterna are brown (in robinsoni they are yellow). In Cuba, some specimens lack the greatly produced head and inspection of a specimen is recommended for identification (photographs may not be sufficient). This species has a dark face with darker muscle scars and has dark thoracic sterna.
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
Gulf states of the U.S.; Cuba.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: grasses
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Draeculacephala producta (Walker, 1851)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Draeculacephala producta. 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 producta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Draeculacephala producta
What is Draeculacephala producta?
Draeculacephala producta is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Draeculacephala producta?
♂ 6.0-7.1mm, ♀ 8.5-9.5mm
How do you identify Draeculacephala producta?
A usually unmistakable species-at least outside of the Cuban range-this species is easily recognised by blue wing venation/pronotal lines and a greatly produced head (as if stretched out from the tip). Also differentiating it from the similar D. robinsoni is the fact that the male abdominal sterna are brown (in robinsoni they are yellow). In Cuba, some specimens lack the greatly produced head and inspection of a specimen is recommended for identification (photographs may not be sufficient). This species has a dark face with darker muscle scars and has dark thoracic sterna.
Where is Draeculacephala producta found?
Range: Gulf states of the U.S.; Cuba.
What does Draeculacephala producta eat?
The diet of the Draeculacephala producta includes grasses.