Colladonus

Ball, 1936

Colladonus is a of in the , established by Ball in 1936. in this genus are to North America and are economically significant as of X- phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni), which affects stone fruit including cherries, peaches, and nectarines. The genus includes notable species such as Colladonus clitellarius (saddled leafhopper) and C. montanus, both documented as important disease vectors.

Habitat

in this occupy diverse environments including forested areas, agricultural orchards, and areas with vegetation. Colladonus clitellarius occurs primarily in forested environments of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Colladonus montanus and related western species are associated with cherry orchards and feed on various broadleaf perennials including mallow, alfalfa, and clover.

Distribution

North America. Eastern North America for C. clitellarius (northeastern United States, southeastern Canada). Western United States for C. montanus, C. mendicus (Central California), and C. geminatus (Oregon). Records also indicate presence in northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and Vermont, USA, though these may represent or misidentifications requiring verification.

Seasonality

activity varies by and region. Colladonus clitellarius adults occur from May to November. Western species such as C. montanus show three periods of adult activity: May–June, late July–August, and October. Peak transmission in western likely occurs during late summer and fall activity periods.

Diet

Phloem-feeding . Specific plants documented for C. clitellarius include willows (Salix), (Gleditsia triacanthos), and mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata). Western Colladonus feed and oviposit on including mallow, alfalfa, and clover.

Host Associations

Prunus spp. - X- phytoplasma transmission to cherry, peach, nectarine
Salix - C. clitellarius
Gleditsia triacanthos - C. clitellarius ;
Persicaria perfoliata - C. clitellarius ; mile-a-minute vine
Malva - Western ; mallow
Medicago sativa - Western ; alfalfa
Trifolium - Western ; clover

Life Cycle

with , , and stages. C. clitellarius overwinters as adults in New York State, with collections documented from early June to late October. Nymphs share adult coloration but are paler with mottled patterns. Western show multiple with three distinct adult activity periods annually.

Behavior

occurs within and between and orchards. are attracted to lights. Western demonstrate seasonal movement patterns correlated with host plant and transmission dynamics.

Ecological Role

Primary of X- phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni) in stone fruit production. The phytoplasma causes unmarketable, bitter, misshapen fruit and eventual tree death. Colladonus are the most important vectors in the western United States. The also serves as for predatory including Clitemnestra bipunctata.

Human Relevance

Major agricultural pest due to X- transmission in cherry, peach, and nectarine industries. Ongoing since 2010 has caused devastating economic impacts. Management strategies include during known activity periods, removal of infected trees, and control of ground-cover plants.

Similar Taxa

IdiodonusBoth are in tribe Platymetopiini with similar body plans; Idiodonus kennicotti co-occurs with Colladonus in some and requires examination of and for separation
MacrostelesBoth are Deltocephalinae and X- ; Macrosteles fascifrons is smaller and has distinct markings
JapananusBoth documented as of Clitemnestra bipunctata; Japananus hyalinus has different coloration and associations