Macrosteles quadrilineatus

Definition

A leafhopper species (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) native to the United States, commonly known as the aster leafhopper or six-spotted leafhopper. It is the principal vector of aster yellows phytoplasma, a pathogen that causes yellowing, stunting, and witches'-broom symptoms in vegetable crops (notably lettuce, carrot, and celery), weeds, and ornamental plants. Adults are small, wedge-shaped, and typically marked with pale longitudinal stripes; nymphs develop on host plants and acquire the phytoplasma by feeding on infected tissue, then transmit it during subsequent feeding.

Etymology

Latin quadrilineatus, four-lined, referring to the pale longitudinal stripes on the dorsum; Macrosteles from Greek makros (large) + stele (column), a genus name in Cicadellidae.

Example

In the upper Midwest, Macrosteles quadrilineatus populations migrating from weedy field margins into lettuce plantings are monitored with yellow sticky traps to time insecticide applications and reduce aster yellows incidence.

Synonyms

• Aster leafhopper
• six-spotted leafhopper

Related Terms

• Cicadellidae
• leafhopper
• Vector
• Aster yellows
• phytoplasma
• Macrosteles
• Hemiptera

Usage Notes

The common name aster leafhopper is shared with the congener Macrosteles fascifrons in some regions; precise identification requires examination of male genitalia. The species is sometimes cited as Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Forbes, 1885).