Erythroneura

Definition

A genus of small, often brightly colored leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae, order Hemiptera) characterized by distinctive wing venation and frequently marked with red, yellow, or orange patterns. Species in this genus are primarily phloem-feeders on deciduous trees and shrubs, with many exhibiting host-plant specificity. The genus was erected by Fitch in 1851 and contains numerous species across the Holarctic region, several of which are significant agricultural or horticultural pests.

Etymology

From Greek erythros (red) + neuron (nerve, sinew), likely referring to the red venation or markings characteristic of many species.

Example

Erythroneura comes, the grape leafhopper, feeds on Vitis species and can cause stippling damage to vineyard foliage; E. variabilis and related species are common on oak and hickory in eastern North American forests.

Related Terms

• Cicadellidae
• leafhopper
• Typhlocybinae
• Empoasca
• Graptolychnus
• Erythroneurini
• hemipteran
• phloem-feeder
• Vector
• stippling damage

Usage Notes

The genus is sometimes placed in subfamily Typhlocybinae, tribe Erythroneurini. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia and wing pattern; many species show extensive color polymorphism and geographic variation, leading to a complex synonymy. Several species are vectors of plant pathogens including phytoplasmas. The genus is morphologically diverse and may not be monophyletic; taxonomic revisions continue. When used in ecological or agricultural literature, the name often refers to the species complex damaging particular host plants rather than the genus as a whole.