Xestocephalus

Van Duzee, 1892

Species Guides

11

Xestocephalus is a of leafhoppers in the Cicadellidae, containing at least 120 described . Members of this genus are small, active insects associated with grassland and herbaceous vegetation. The genus is taxonomically placed in the Aphrodinae and tribe Xestocephalini. At least one species, Xestocephalus desertorum, has been documented feeding on grass roots and exhibiting distinctive anointing in nymphs.

Xestocephalus brunneus by (c) cigazze, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by cigazze. Used under a CC-BY license.Xestocephalus similis by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.Xestocephalus tessellatus by (c) Sam Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Taylor. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xestocephalus: /ˌzɛstoʊˈsɛfələs/

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Images

Habitat

Grassland and herbaceous vegetation; at least some are associated with grass root systems.

Distribution

Recorded from Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete (PNNSCh) in Colombia; broader distribution across the Americas implied by .

Diet

At least one (Xestocephalus desertorum) feeds on grass roots; feeding habits of other species in the are not documented.

Life Cycle

Nymphal stages have been described for Xestocephalus desertorum; nymphs feed on grass roots.

Behavior

Nymphs of Xestocephalus desertorum exhibit anointing .

Sources and further reading