Scaphytopius

Ball, 1931

leafhopper

Scaphytopius is a large of ( ) containing at least 170 described . The genus was established by Ball in 1931 and is classified in the Deltocephalinae and tribe Scaphytopiini. Multiple species have been documented as of , including phytoplasmas affecting citrus and peach. The subgenus Cloanthanus, revised by Hepner in 1947, is poorly represented in Canada compared to more southerly distributions in North America.

Identification

Identification relies heavily on male structures, particularly the shape of the paraphyses and . External characters such as color, markings, and body structure are often unreliable due to intraspecific variation. The subgenus Cloanthanus can be distinguished using genitalic characters, though some variation in curvature of paraphyses occurs. -level for regional faunas exist, including for Canadian species.

Distribution

North America, with majority of having southerly distributions; some species such as Scaphytopius (Cloanthanus) acutus have nationwide distribution in North America. Canadian fauna is relatively depauperate compared to southern regions.

Host Associations

citrus - associated with Huanglongbing ( transmission)Scaphytopius marginelineatus experimentally transmitted phytoplasma 16SrIX group
peach - of Peach X-Scaphytopius acutus documented as

Human Relevance

Multiple are economically significant as of . Scaphytopius acutus transmits Peach X- phytoplasma. Scaphytopius marginelineatus has been experimentally demonstrated to transmit a 16SrIX group phytoplasma associated with citrus Huanglongbing .

Similar Taxa

other Deltocephalinae leafhoppersDistinguished by Scaphytopius-specific male structures and tribal placement in Scaphytopiini