Oncopsis

Burmeister, 1838

Species Guides

21

Oncopsis is a of leafhoppers in the Cicadellidae, Macropsinae. The genus is characterized by pronotal striations that run parallel to the hind margin. occur across the Holarctic region, with documented diversity in Europe, Asia, and North America. Many species exhibit strong plant specificity, particularly for trees in the families Betulaceae and Corylaceae.

Oncopsis aureostria by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Oncopsis citra by (c) jimeckert49, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Oncopsis deluda by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oncopsis: /ɒŋˈkɒpsɪs/

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

Identification

Pronotum with striations oriented parallel to the hind margin, distinguishing Oncopsis from many other leafhopper where striations may be transverse or oblique. Male genitalia and calling signals are used for -level identification; acoustic analysis has corroborated conspecificity of geographically separated in some species.

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Habitat

Woodland and forested environments; associated with deciduous trees, particularly birch (Betula), alder (Alnus), hazel (Corylus), and hornbeam (Carpinus).

Distribution

Holarctic distribution. Documented from Europe (including British Isles, Germany, Russia), Asia (China, Central Asia, Siberia, Sakhalin), and North America (Nearctic region including Canada and United States). GBIF records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont, USA.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on woody plants; nymphs and feed on sap of trees.

Host Associations

  • Betula - primary multiple , particularly tree birches
  • Alnus - primary alders
  • Corylus - primary hazel
  • Carpinus - primary hornbeam

Behavior

Females exhibit discriminative oviposition , selecting specific plants for -laying. Food plant discrimination occurs in both nymphal and stages, with considerable specificity in feeding preferences.

Ecological Role

Herbivore in woodland ; contributes to nutrient cycling through phloem feeding. are subject to by egg .

Similar Taxa

  • MacropsisAlso in Macropsinae; Oncopsis distinguished by parallel pronotal striations and male genitalia structure
  • ZinnecaFormerly used as for some Oncopsis ; synonymized based on taxonomic revision

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