Jikradia olitoria

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Jikradia olitoria: /dʒɪkˈreɪdiə oʊˈlɪtɔːriə/

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

Images

Summary

Jikradia olitoria is a leafhopper species known for its significant color variation and for being a vector for multiple plant diseases. Its taxonomic status remains complicated due to historical classification changes.

Physical Characteristics

Adult: variably light brown to grayish or bluish, sometimes yellowish or brownish-yellow throughout; females always have pale wing bands, while males are chocolate to rusty brown without pale markings.

Identification Tips

Observe color variation; males generally lack pale markings while females have pale wing bands.

Habitat

Found mainly in eastern North America.

Distribution

Eastern North America.

Diet

Feeds on plant sap, specifically from various types of vegetation.

Life Cycle

Undergoes complete metamorphosis, with distinct egg, nymph, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Typically, females lay eggs in plant tissue.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a vector for plant diseases, including strawberry pallidosis and North American grapevine yellows.

Economic Impact

Can affect agricultural crops by transmitting diseases.

Health Concerns

None mentioned, though they are vectors for plant diseases.

Collecting Methods

• Sweep netting
• Light trapping

Preservation Methods

• Pinning
• Ethanol storage

Evolution

Taxonomic classification has fluctuated over the years; known to be a subject of taxonomic complexity with many synonyms and color variations.

Similar Taxa

• Other leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae

Misconceptions

The varying color forms were once thought to represent different species.

Tags

• leafhopper
• Jikradia olitoria
• insect
• Cicadellidae
• plant vector