Ceratagallia Abrupta: Appearance, Territory, Damage and Life Cycle

Latin Name: Ceratagallia Abrupta

Appearance: Leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) of two species, Ceratagallia nitidula and Ceratagallia abrupta, were collected in Mexico in May 2016 and identified using male genitalia diagnostics. Ceratagallia is a leafhopper genus. Ceratagallia is distinguished from other leafhopper genera by its transversely striated pronotum and male genitalia that are not forked.

Hosts Plants: Ornamental Plants

Territory: It is native to central and southern Europe. Ceratagallia abrupta is found in semi-arid habitats throughout North America, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, and Mexico.

Damage Insect Cause: Ceratagallia Abrupta damage includes foliar deformation, lengthy internodes, flower fall, and yellowing.

Life History and Habits: Leafhoppers evolve through an imperfect metamorphosis. Female leafhoppers lay microscopic eggs in fragile plant tissue, resulting in pimple-like lesions. In mid-April, overwintered eggs begin to hatch. Wingless nymphs emerge and molt four or five times before reaching maturity in 2 to 7 weeks.