Rhododendron Leafhopper
Graphocephala fennahi Young, 1977
Rhododendron Leafhopper: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/11705
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Source: Wikipedia

Rhododendron leafhopper
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadellidae
Genus: Graphocephala
Species:
G. fennahi
Binomial name
Graphocephala fennahi
Young, 1977

Graphocephala fennahi (rhododendron leafhopper) is a species of leafhopper native to the United States. Its common name derives from it feeding on the sap of rhododendrons.[1] The species was introduced to Great Britain in the 1930s and continental Europe in the 1970s.[2] There has been suggestion that the rhododendron leafhopper contributes to the spread of a rhododendron fungus (Pycnostysanus azaleae) through Europe.[3]

Description

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They are small as 8–10 mm and have 4 orange stripes down their elytra. Their metamorphosis are incomplete, and those creatures are diurnal. Forewing colors are ranged from red to blue. Males are 7.4-8.8 mm long, and females are 8.2–9 mm long. They belong to the group "True bugs", very closely related to aphids and psyllids

Distribution

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It is native to the mountains of southern Virginia, the western Carolinas, and northern Georgia. Recently observed (Aug 2024) in Northern Illinois (Suburban Chicago).

Habitats

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They are recorded in grassy lands, as well as in mixed hardwood forests, usually found in rhododendron areas.

Contribution

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Rhododendron leafhoppers are usually vital food for ladybugs, spiders, and some parasitic wasps. They are afraid of Harmonia axyridis, the Harlequin Ladybird.

Seasonal occurrence

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The Rhododendron leafhopper emerges from late spring and dies in November (timeline includes: May, June, July, August, September, October and November).

Notes

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  1. ^ http://www.britishbugs.org[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ Sprynar, P. (2005). "First Records of the Rhododendron Leafhopper (Graphocephala fennahi) (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) from the Czech Republic" (PDF). Plant Protection Science. 41: 38–41. doi:10.17221/2731-PPS. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2010-12-05.
  3. ^ Sergel, R. (1987). "On the occurrence and ecology of the Rhododendron-leafhopper,Graphocephala fennahi young 1977, in the Western Palaearctic region (Homoptera, Cicadellidae)". Anzeiger für Schädlingskunde, Pflanzenschutz, Umweltschutz. 60 (7): 134–136. doi:10.1007/BF01907495. S2CID 33881564.