Cicadellidae

Latreille, 1825

leafhoppers, typical leafhoppers, sharpshooters

Subfamily Guides

13

, commonly known as leafhoppers, is one of the largest of Hemiptera with over 20,000 described worldwide. These minute insects are plant-feeding that suck xylem or phloem sap using . The family is distinguished by hind legs modified for jumping, featuring double rows of spines on the tibiae. Many species are significant agricultural pests and of plant , including the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa which causes in citrus, grapes, and other crops. The Cicadellinae (sharpshooters) contains particularly important pest species due to their polyphagy and disease transmission capabilities.

Aligia turbinata by (c) jimeckert49, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Xyphon reticulatum by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.Cuerna costalis by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cicadellidae: /sɪkəˈdɛlɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

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Habitat

Leafhoppers occupy diverse terrestrial worldwide, with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. They are primarily associated with vascular plants including grasses, shrubs, and trees. Many are habitat tied to particular plants, while others are found across multiple plant . Agricultural systems, particularly citrus groves, vineyards, and grain crops, often support high densities of pest species. Natural habitats include prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and riparian zones where native host plants occur.

Distribution

distribution spanning all continents except Antarctica. Highest occurs in the Neotropical region, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. The is well-represented across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Specific distribution patterns vary by and ; for example, the tribe Cicadellini shows exceptional diversity in the Neotropics with over 1,800 , while other groups have more restricted ranges. Many economically important pest species have expanded distributions due to agricultural activity and accidental introduction.

Seasonality

Activity patterns vary by and latitude. In temperate regions, most species are active during spring and summer months, with peak typically occurring mid-season. Some species overwinter as , others as . In tropical regions, activity may occur year-round with population fluctuations tied to wet and dry seasons. (Magicicada spp.) emerge on 13- or 17-year cycles, though these belong to Cicadidae rather than . Many leafhopper species show distinct seasonal peaks corresponding to plant .

Diet

All members are obligate phytophages feeding on vascular plant fluids. Most feed on xylem sap, which is dilute and requires processing large volumes to obtain sufficient nutrients; this necessitates rapid of excess water as honeydew. Some species feed on phloem sap, which is more nutrient-concentrated. Feeding involves piercing plant tissues with stylet mouthparts and sucking sap. The potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) and many other species inject salivary toxins causing "hopperburn"—leaf curling, yellowing, and . Sharpshooters ( Cicadellinae) are particularly efficient xylem feeders due to specialized cibarial pumps.

Life Cycle

Hemimetabolous development with , nymph, and stages. Females insert eggs into plant tissues using blade-like ovipositors, often between leaf layers or in stems. Eggs may be laid singly or in masses, with some producing multiple annually. Nymphs typically pass through five instars before molting to adults, resembling adults but lacking fully developed wings and reproductive structures. Development time varies by species and temperature, ranging from weeks to months. Some temperate species have one generation per year; tropical and subtropical species may have multiple overlapping generations.

Behavior

Leafhoppers are active, alert insects that readily jump or fly when disturbed. The hind legs are held cocked at rest, enabling rapid escape responses. Many exhibit negative , moving to shaded undersides of leaves when alarmed. Sharpshooters display characteristic hiding —slipping behind branches and stems to avoid , which contributed to their . Some species show -mutualistic relationships, particularly in -related . Females of some species produce specialized brochosomes—nanoparticles manufactured in and spread over the body using comb-like hind leg spines. These brochosomes create superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coatings and are also used to coat masses for protection.

Ecological Role

Leafhoppers function as primary consumers in terrestrial , converting plant to animal tissue available to and . They serve as for diverse natural enemies including parasitoids (Mymaridae, Trichogrammatidae), nymphal and parasitoids (Dryinidae, Strepsiptera), and predators such as spiders, lacewings, and birds. As of plant —particularly Xylella fastidiosa, phytoplasmas, and viruses—they significantly influence plant dynamics and agricultural productivity. Their honeydew supports growth and provides food for ants and other insects.

Human Relevance

Major agricultural pests causing direct damage through feeding and indirect damage through transmission. Xylella fastidiosa, transmitted by sharpshooters, causes Pierce's disease in grapes, citrus variegated , and other economically devastating diseases. The potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) damages potatoes, alfalfa, beans, and hops. The glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis) is a significant pest in California. Management relies on , using , and cultural practices. Climate change is advancing arrival dates and increasing severity for migratory like Empoasca fabae. Some species serve as biocontrol targets, with extensive research on parasitoid introductions.

Similar Taxa

  • Cicadidae (cicadas)Similar body plan and jumping hind legs, but cicadas are much larger, have prominent bulging set wide apart on the , and possess distinctive sound-producing tymbal organs; nymphs live underground for years rather than on vegetation
  • Membracidae (treehoppers)Closely related within Membracoidea; distinguished by enlarged, often bizarrely modified pronotum that extends over the body, and generally more sedentary ; some authorities consider Membracidae a of
  • Cercopidae (froghoppers/spittlebugs)Related with similar body shape but more robust, rounded form; nymphs produce characteristic froth masses ('cuckoo spit') for protection, unlike leafhopper nymphs
  • Delphacidae (planthoppers)Similar size and plant-feeding habit, but possess a distinctive large movable spur on the hind tibia and often hold wings in roof-like position; different with typically more flattened

More Details

Brochosomes

Unique to , brochosomes are complex protein-lipid nanoparticles (200–1000 nm diameter) produced in and spread over the body surface using specialized hind leg combs. They confer superhydrophobicity (contact angles >150°) and anti-reflective properties, and are used by females to coat masses. These structures have inspired biomimetic materials research.

Etymology of 'sharpshooter'

The term originated from Riley and Howard (1893) describing feeding damage by Homalodisca coagulata on cotton resembling 'minute bullet' wounds. Alternative explanations include rapid ejection of fluid droplets and the insects' hiding when alarmed—slipping behind branches like army sharpshooters behind trees.

Taxonomic complexity

The Cicadellinae (sharpshooters) contains over 2,400 traditionally divided into tribes Cicadellini and Proconiini. Cicadellini exhibits four times greater but less morphological variation, making identification challenging; female genitalic characters have become increasingly important for species-level .

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