Draeculacephala septemguttata
This record describes Draeculacephala septemguttata (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A tan species with distinctive markings. There are two triangular spots on the scutellum, a spot on each lateral margin of the pronotum, two spots on the head behind the ocelli, and a single bold spot in the centre of the crown. In some specimens a black line is exhibited on the median of the crown. The wings can have a yellow coastal margin, though this is not always the case. The face and underside are pale. D. savannahae can look quite similar, likely more so to teneral examples of septemguttata , but it lacks markings except for pale scutellar 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
Habitat
grassy, bushy areas
Geographic Range
se U.S. (TX-FL-NC) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: grasses
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Draeculacephala septemguttata (Walker, 1851)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Draeculacephala septemguttata. 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 septemguttata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Draeculacephala septemguttata
What is Draeculacephala septemguttata?
Draeculacephala septemguttata is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Draeculacephala septemguttata?
♂♂ 5.3-6.4mm, ♀♀ 6.3-7.8mm
How do you identify Draeculacephala septemguttata?
A tan species with distinctive markings. There are two triangular spots on the scutellum, a spot on each lateral margin of the pronotum, two spots on the head behind the ocelli, and a single bold spot in the centre of the crown. In some specimens a black line is exhibited on the median of the crown. The wings can have a yellow coastal margin, though this is not always the case. The face and underside are pale. D. savannahae can look quite similar, likely more so to teneral examples of septemguttata , but it lacks markings except for pale scutellar maculae.
Where is Draeculacephala septemguttata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | grassy, bushy areas |
| Range | se U.S. (TX-FL-NC) - Map |
What does Draeculacephala septemguttata eat?
The diet of the Draeculacephala septemguttata includes grasses.