Colladonus

Ball, 1936

Species Guides

23

Colladonus is a of leafhoppers in the Cicadellidae, established by Ball in 1936. in this genus are native to North America and are economically significant as of X- phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni), which affects stone fruit crops 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.

Colladonus brunneus by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.Colladonus clitellarius by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.Colladonus clitellarius by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colladonus: //kɔlˈlædoʊnəs//

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

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Habitat

in this occupy diverse environments including forested areas, agricultural orchards, and areas with broadleaf 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 introduced 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 herbivores. Specific plants documented for C. clitellarius include willows (Salix), honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), and mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata). Western Colladonus feed and oviposit on broadleaf perennials including mallow, alfalfa, and clover.

Host Associations

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

Life Cycle

with , nymph, 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 plant patches 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 prey 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 monitoring during known activity periods, removal of infected trees, and control of ground-cover plants.

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