Proconiini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Superfamily: Membracoidea
Family: Cicadellidae
Subfamily: Cicadellinae
Tribe: Proconiini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Proconiini: /proˈkoʊni.aɪnaɪ/

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

Images

Homalodisca vitripennis 5367979 by Russ Ottens, University of Georgia. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Homalodisca vitripennis - Glassy-winged sharpshooter (16283561424) by Insects Unlocked
. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Oncometopia nigricans by iNaturalist user: ashbyat. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Homalodisca vitripennis by Liza Gross. Used under a CC BY 2.5 license.

Broad-headed Sharpshooter (Oncometopia orbona) Nymph - 08.19.22 by WanderingMogwai. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Homalodisca insolita by iNaturalist user: skitterbug. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Proconiini is a tribe of large leafhoppers known as sharpshooters that include several important agricultural pests. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts and are significant for their role as vectors of plant pathogens.

Physical Characteristics

Large leafhoppers with piercing-sucking mouthparts and closely spaced rows of fine spines on their hind legs.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive size and shape of the body as well as the presence of spines on the hind legs.

Habitat

Found on various plant species, often in small stems where eggs are deposited.

Distribution

At least 32 species in 6 genera locally; approximately 350 species in over 60 genera worldwide.

Diet

Adults feed on a variety of different plant species, using their mouthparts to extract nutrients from the xylem.

Life Cycle

Nymphs develop by feeding on plant sap and transition to adults with wings.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs into small stems of host plants; nymphs emerge and feed on the xylem.

Predators

Natural predators include various insects that prey on leafhoppers, including some wasps and spiders.

Ecosystem Role

Part of the plant pest complex, some species vectoring plant diseases.

Economic Impact

Some species, particularly Homalodisca vitripennis, are serious plant pests and can be associated with major agricultural diseases.

Health Concerns

Homalodisca vitripennis carries Xylella fastidiosa, linked to several serious plant diseases.

Collecting Methods

Netting
Hand collection from host plants
Traps

Preservation Methods

Ethanol
Drying
Pinning

Evolution

Currently under revision; expected to split into at least two tribes: Oncometopiini and Proconiini.

Similar Taxa

Other leafhoppers
Auchenorrhyncha
Cicadellidae

Misconceptions

Commonly known as sharpshooters, the term may refer to multiple species within the tribe and can lead to confusion about specific pests. Not all sharpshooters are equally harmful.