Graphocephala fennahi

Rhododendron leafhopper
Scientific classification
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[edit]

They are small as 8-10 mm and have 4 orange stripes down their elytrons. 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[edit]

It a species native to the mountains of southern Virginia, the western Carolinas, and northern Georgia.

Habitats[edit]

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

Contribution[edit]

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

Seasonal occurrence[edit]

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[edit]

^ 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. 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. doi:10.1007/BF01907495.

[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. 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. doi:10.1007/BF01907495.

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