Erythridula crataegi
(Johnson, 1935)
Erythridula crataegi is a of leafhopper in the Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae. It belongs to the tribe Erythroneurini, a group of small, often colorful leafhoppers commonly referred to as "microleafhoppers." The species was described by Johnson in 1935. Like other members of its , it is likely associated with woody plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Erythridula crataegi: //ɛˈrɪθ.rɪˌduː.lə krəˈtiːdʒaɪ//
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Identification
Members of Erythridula are small leafhoppers, typically under 5 mm in body length, with distinctive color patterns often featuring red, orange, or yellow markings. They can be distinguished from related in the Erythroneurini by genitalic characters, particularly the structure of the male and female ovipositor. Erythridula crataegi specifically would be recognized by features of the male genitalia as described in the original description by Johnson (1935), including details of the pygofer, subgenital plates, and aedeagal shaft. Separation from congeneric species requires examination of these structures under magnification.
Distribution
Recorded from New Hampshire, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada based on specimen records in GBIF. The distribution appears to be limited to the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada.
Host Associations
- Crataegus - likely plantThe specific epithet 'crataegi' suggests association with hawthorns (Crataegus), though this has not been explicitly confirmed in the examined literature
Similar Taxa
- Erythroneura spp.Similar size, coloration, and ; distinguished by genitalic and wing venation patterns
- Erythridula spp.Congeneric require detailed examination of male genitalia for reliable identification
More Details
Taxonomic notes
Erythridula is a of North American leafhoppers closely related to Erythroneura. The two genera are distinguished primarily by male genitalic characters. The specific epithet 'crataegi' suggests the may be associated with hawthorn (Crataegus), a common for many Typhlocybinae, but explicit host records were not found in the examined literature. The species appears to be rarely collected, with only five observations recorded in iNaturalist and limited specimen records in GBIF.