Homalodisca vitripennis

Definition

A large cicadellid leafhopper native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico, now invasive in California and the Pacific Rim; a sharpshooter (tribe Proconiini) distinguished by its smoky, glassy forewings. A major vector of the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Pierce's disease in grapevines, oleander leaf scorch, and other economically significant diseases in woody crops.

Etymology

From Latin homalos (level, even) + discus (disc, circular plate), referring to the flattened body form; vitripennis from Latin vitrum (glass) + penna (wing), for the transparent wings.

Example

In California viticulture, Homalodisca vitripennis is monitored using yellow sticky traps and managed through biological control with the parasitoid wasp Gonatocerus ashmeadi to reduce Xylella fastidiosa transmission to Vitis vinifera.

Synonyms

• Glassy-winged sharpshooter

Related Terms

• sharpshooter
• Cicadellidae
• Xylella fastidiosa
• Pierce's disease
• Vector
• Proconiini
• leafhopper
• Invasive species

Usage Notes

Often abbreviated GWS in agricultural extension literature. Distinguished from native Californian sharpshooters by larger size, more robust build, and wings held roof-like over the body at rest. Taxonomic note: formerly placed in genus Tettigonia and later Tettigoniella; current combination Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar, 1821) is widely accepted.