Rhododendron Leafhopper
Graphocephala fennahi
This record describes Graphocephala fennahi (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large (8-10mm) and very distinctive leafhopper associated with Rhododendron. The forewings are green with red streaks and dark apical margins, the head and undersides are mainly yellow and there is a black band between the eyes around the edge of the vertex. on Rhododendron in woodland, parkland, gardens, etc. Introduced into Europe from the USA in the early 1900s, and now c ommon. (ref. UK Auchenorrhyncha checklist 2021 on British Bugs website ) Occasional, especially in the City and on naturalised Rhododendron in woodlands in the Charnwood Forest. https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/homoptera/Cicadellidae/Graphocephala_fennahi.html
Wikipedia reference for Graphocephala fennahi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphocephala_fennahi.
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
- Graphocephala
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on Rhododendron in woodland, parkland, gardens, etc.
Seasonal Activity
adults: July to November
Additional species information
Recorded status
Introduced into Europe from the USA in the early 1900s, and now c
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Graphocephala fennahi. 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 Rhododendron Leafhopper (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhododendron Leafhopper
What is Rhododendron Leafhopper?
Rhododendron Leafhopper (Graphocephala fennahi) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Rhododendron Leafhopper found?
Habitat: on Rhododendron in woodland, parkland, gardens, etc.
When is Rhododendron Leafhopper active?
Rhododendron Leafhopper: seasonal activity - adults: July to November.