Empoascini is a tribe of leafhoppers within the Typhlocybinae ( Cicadellidae). Members are small, delicate insects often referred to as 'typhlocybine' leafhoppers. The tribe includes economically significant such as Empoasca and Amrasca, some of which are agricultural pests. The tribe is distributed across multiple continents with high diversity in Asia and Australia.

Identification

Members of Empoascini are distinguished from other Typhlocybinae tribes primarily by genitalia characteristics, particularly male genital structures. Identification to level requires examination of the , pygofer, and subgenital plates. The tribe is morphologically diverse; many are small (typically 3–5 mm), pale green or yellowish in coloration, with reduced wing venation characteristic of the .

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Distribution

Empoascini has a broad geographic distribution spanning Asia (China, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Sikkim, Japan, Korea), Australia, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, and the Soviet Maritime Territory. The tribe exhibits high regional , with some such as Kybos being to Central Asia.

Behavior

Members of the Empoascini have been observed to be strongly attracted to artificial light sources at night. They are small enough to pass through standard window screen mesh.

Human Relevance

Some Empoascini are significant agricultural pests. The cotton leafhopper Amrasca biguttula biguttula is an economically important pest of cotton and other crops in South Asia. Other species in the tribe have been documented as causing crop damage, though specific pest status varies by species and region.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Typhlocybinae tribesDistinguished by male genitalia ; Empoascini shares the reduced wing venation and small body size common to the , requiring dissection or detailed morphological examination for definitive tribal assignment.

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