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Graphocephala fennahi
Rhododendron Leafhopper
Family: Cicadellidae		 Have you sen this bug? Report a sighting

This large and striking species is native to the USA, where it is known as the scarlet and green leafhopper. It was introduced to Europe in the early 1900s, and can now be found widely in southern Britain. Both adults and larvae feed on Rhododendron sap, and it is one of the few insects to use this shrub as a foodplant.

Adults can be found from mid-summer until quite late in the autumn, laying eggs in the leaf buds which hatch the following spring.

Adult: July-Novemeber
Length 8-10 mm
 Graphocephala fennahi
Adult: north London (August 2007) ©Tristan Bantock
Graphocephala fennahi Graphocephala fennahi
Adult: north London (August 2007) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adults: north London (August 2007) ©Tristan Bantock
Graphocephala fennahi Graphocephala fennahi
Adult: Dorset (September 2008) ©David Longshaw

 		Nymph: north London (June 2008) ©Tristan Bantock