Brochosome
Guides
Curtara
Curtara is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Gyponini, established by DeLong & Freytag in 1972. Species in this genus produce distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat their exoskeletons. Compared to other leafhopper genera such as Gyponana, Curtara brochosomes appear smoother and more circular in morphology, with less angular pitting. These nanoparticles function in waterproofing and anti-reflective camouflage.
Empoa vestita
Empoa vestita is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It was described by McAtee in 1926. Like other members of the genus Empoa, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body. The species has been recorded from several north-central U.S. states including Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.
Empoasca
Empoasca n-species is a leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, a group of small plant-feeding insects known for their piercing-sucking mouthparts and economically significant pest status. Leafhoppers in this genus are recognized for causing "hopperburn" damage to crops through their toxic saliva. The specific epithet "n-species" indicates this is an undescribed or placeholder designation for a species within the diverse Empoasca genus, which contains numerous agricultural pests including the potato leafhopper (E. fabae) and the tea green leafhopper (E. onukii).
Eratoneura ligata
Eratoneura ligata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by McAtee in 1920. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae and tribe Erythroneurini. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body. The species has been documented in northeastern North America with observations from the District of Columbia, New Hampshire, Ohio, Québec, and Vermont.
Eratoneura macra
Sandy Stream Leafhopper
Eratoneura macra is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Beamer in 1932. It belongs to the tribe Erythroneurini within the subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other leafhoppers in the genus Eratoneura, this species produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the exoskeleton. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Eratoneura noncuspidis
A species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—hollow, soccer ball-shaped nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body and wings. The species was described by Beamer in 1931.
Graphocephala coccinea quadrivittata
Red-banded Leafhopper, Candy-striped Leafhopper, Scarlet-and-Green Leafhopper
Graphocephala coccinea quadrivittata is the inland subspecies of the candy-striped or red-banded leafhopper, distinguished from the coastal nominate subspecies G. c. coccinea by its slightly larger size and four-striped pattern. Adults display vivid scarlet and green longitudinal stripes on the dorsal surface, making them among the most visually striking leafhoppers in North America. This subspecies is a generalist feeder on plant xylem sap and is known to vector Pierce's Disease, a bacterial pathogen lethal to grapevines and other woody plants.
Graphocephala lugubris
Graphocephala lugubris is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Signoret in 1854. It belongs to a genus known for colorful, patterned species commonly called sharpshooters. Like other leafhoppers in this genus, it likely possesses brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties. The species has been recorded in the south-central United States.
Gyponana brevita
Gyponana brevita is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a highly water-repellent, anti-reflective coating on its exoskeleton and wings. The species has been documented in several eastern and midwestern U.S. states.
Gyponana offula
Gyponana cf-offula is a small leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that coat its body surface. These brochosomes feature angular, geometric surface pits that create superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species has been documented in blacklight trap surveys and is part of ongoing research into bioinspired materials.
Proconiini
sharpshooters
Proconiini is a large tribe of xylem-feeding leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) comprising approximately 422 species in 58 genera, restricted to the New World. Members are commonly known as sharpshooters due to their rapid, directed flight patterns. The tribe includes major agricultural pests and vectors of Xylella fastidiosa, a phytopathogenic bacterium causing diseases in citrus, grapes, almonds, and other crops. Proconiini species exhibit distinctive morphological adaptations including brachyptery in high-altitude Andean forms and unique egg brochosome production for offspring protection.