Planicephalus flavocostatus
This record describes Planicephalus flavocostatus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Adult: dark brown to blackish with yellow strip along anterior two-thirds of costa, terminating in a short white oblique dash; another short white dash nearer to wingtip, projecting at right-angles in from costa; several whitish dots on front of head; legs pale brown; eyes large, dark brown
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
- Deltocephalinae
- Tribe
- Deltocephalini
- Genus
- Planicephalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (LA-FL-NY-KS) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Deltocephalus flavocostatus Van Duzee 1892
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Planicephalus flavocostatus. 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 Planicephalus flavocostatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Robin McLeod , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Nick Block , v belov , Chuck Sexton
Frequently Asked Questions About Planicephalus flavocostatus
What is Planicephalus flavocostatus?
Planicephalus flavocostatus is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Planicephalus flavocostatus?
Adult: dark brown to blackish with yellow strip along anterior two-thirds of costa, terminating in a short white oblique dash; another short white dash nearer to wingtip, projecting at right-angles in from costa; several whitish dots on front of head; legs pale brown; eyes large, dark brown
Where is Planicephalus flavocostatus found?
Range: e. US (LA-FL-NY-KS) - Map
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