Graphocephala fennahi

Rhododendron leafhopper
Scientific 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

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

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

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

Contribution

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

Seasonal occurrence

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

Front view
Rhododendron leafhoppers mating

Notes

^ http://www.britishbugs.org^{[permanent dead link]}
^ 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.
^ 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.

[1] ttp://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.

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