Brazilian Leafhopper
Protalebrella brasiliensis
This record describes Protalebrella brasiliensis (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. Kyle Kittelberger, 2021 in our area, may be an introduced species
Identification notes
Det. Kyle Kittelberger, 2021
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
- Typhlocybinae
- Tribe
- Alebrini
- Genus
- Protalebrella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.GA through peninsular FL (common) to W. Indies, southmost TX (rare) to Argentina - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: carrot ( Daucus carota ), haggarbush ( Clerodendrum (=Volkameria) aculeatum , Verbenaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Protalebrella brasiliensis Baker 1899
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Protalebrella brasiliensis. 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 Brazilian Leafhopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Brazilian Leafhopper
What is Brazilian Leafhopper?
Brazilian Leafhopper (Protalebrella brasiliensis) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Brazilian Leafhopper?
Det. Kyle Kittelberger, 2021
Where is Brazilian Leafhopper found?
Range: s.GA through peninsular FL (common) to W. Indies, southmost TX (rare) to Argentina - Map
What does Brazilian Leafhopper eat?
The diet of the Brazilian Leafhopper includes hosts: carrot ( Daucus carota ), haggarbush ( Clerodendrum (=Volkameria) aculeatum , Verbenaceae).