Brochosomes
Guides
Cicadellidae
leafhoppers, typical leafhoppers, sharpshooters
Cicadellidae, commonly known as leafhoppers, is one of the largest families of Hemiptera with over 20,000 described species worldwide. These minute insects are plant-feeding specialists that suck xylem or phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The family is distinguished by hind legs modified for jumping, featuring double rows of spines on the tibiae. Many species are significant agricultural pests and vectors of plant pathogens, including the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa which causes diseases in citrus, grapes, and other crops. The subfamily Cicadellinae (sharpshooters) contains particularly important pest species due to their polyphagy and disease transmission capabilities.
Curtara insularis
Ringspot Leafhopper
Curtara insularis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Ringspot Leafhopper. The species is characterized by brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that produce superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties on its exoskeleton and wings. Brochosomes in this species appear smoother and more circular compared to the more angular forms found in related genera such as Gyponana. The species has been documented across multiple localities in North and South America.
Empoa aureotecta
Empoa aureotecta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Sanders and DeLong in 1917. The genus Empoa belongs to the tribe Empoascini, a group of small, often greenish leafhoppers that feed on plant sap. Members of this genus and related taxa are known for producing brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that make their bodies superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The specific epithet "aureotecta" (from Latin aureus "golden" + tectus "covered") likely refers to a golden or yellowish coloration or covering characteristic of this species.
Empoa bella
Empoa bella is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Hamilton in 1983. The genus Empoa belongs to a group of leafhoppers known for producing brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that make their exoskeletons superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. Records indicate this species occurs in the Canadian Maritime provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. As with other Empoasca-related leafhoppers, it likely shares the characteristic brochosome-producing morphology, though species-specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Empoa casta
Empoa casta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by McAtee in 1926. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a diverse group of small leafhoppers often associated with woody plants. The species is known from scattered records across the eastern and southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticle secretions that coat the body surface.
Empoa latifasciata
Empoa latifasciata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Christian in 1953. Like other members of the genus Empoa, it belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group of small plant-feeding insects commonly known as leafhoppers. The species has been recorded from multiple localities in North America including British Columbia, Maine, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, and New Mexico. As with related Empoa species, E. latifasciata likely produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat the body surface and provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties—though this has not been specifically documented for this species.
Empoa querci
Empoa querci is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Fitch in 1851. As a member of the subfamily Typhlocybinae, it is a plant-feeding insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species name 'querci' suggests an association with oak (Quercus) species. Like other leafhoppers in the genus Empoa, it likely produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to its cuticle.
Empoa rubricola
Empoa rubricola is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Described by Christian in 1954, this species belongs to a genus of small, often brightly colored leafhoppers. Like other Empoa species, it likely possesses brochosomes—nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to the cuticle. The species has been recorded from northeastern North America including Delaware, New Hampshire, Ontario, Québec, and Wisconsin.
Empoa scripta
Empoa scripta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Empoa, it possesses the distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that provide superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to the exoskeleton and wings. The species has been documented across parts of North America including British Columbia, Idaho, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, and New York.
Empoa venusta
Empoa venusta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Empoa, it is a small, plant-feeding insect. The genus is part of a group of leafhoppers known for producing brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat their bodies and provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties. Empoa venusta has been recorded from several northern U.S. states and Canadian provinces including Connecticut, Manitoba, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.
Empoasca
Empoasca is a genus of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae) containing approximately 20 described species. Several species are significant agricultural pests, most notably Empoasca fabae (potato leafhopper), which causes hopperburn injury to over 200 plant species including potatoes, alfalfa, and beans. Members of this genus are characterized by their small size, typically bright green coloration, and production of brochosomes—unique nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on their bodies. The genus has a wide distribution with some species showing strong migratory behavior.
Eratoneura
Eratoneura is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Young in 1952. The genus contains at least 190 described species, placing it among the more species-rich genera within the subfamily Typhlocybinae. Members of this genus, like other leafhoppers, produce brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat their bodies for waterproofing and anti-reflective protection. Eratoneura fulleri has been specifically documented depositing brochosome clusters on wing edges for redistribution or repair of its protective coating.
Eratoneura abjecta
Eratoneura abjecta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Beamer in 1931. As a member of the genus Eratoneura, it possesses the distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that confer superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to the cuticle. The species has been documented in New Hampshire. Like other typhlocybine leafhoppers, it is presumed to feed on plant vascular tissues.
Eratoneura acantha
Eratoneura acantha is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ross and DeLong in 1950. Like other members of its genus, it possesses brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat the exoskeleton and wings, providing superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species is recorded from Maryland and New Hampshire in the northeastern United States.
Eratoneura adunca
Eratoneura adunca is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It was first described by Beamer in 1932. Like other members of its genus, it produces and coats itself in brochosomes—nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to its exoskeleton and wings.
Eratoneura basilaris
Eratoneura basilaris is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae and tribe Erythroneurini. Leafhoppers in this family are small, plant-feeding insects characterized by their distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties.
Eratoneura beeri
Eratoneura beeri is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that coat the body and wings, conferring superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species was described by Hepner in 1972. Specific ecological details for E. beeri remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Eratoneura bella
Eratoneura bella is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by McAtee in 1920. As a member of the Typhlocybinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of small, plant-feeding insects known for their specialized mouthparts and, in many species, production of brochosomes—nanoparticles that create water-repellent and anti-reflective coatings. The genus Eratoneura is part of the diverse Erythroneurini tribe, which contains numerous Nearctic leafhopper species.
Eratoneura bifida
Eratoneura bifida is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Beamer in 1931. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticle secretions that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body and wings. The species has been documented in the United States, with iNaturalist observations primarily from the eastern and central regions.
Eratoneura bigemina
Eratoneura bigemina is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by McAtee in 1920. As a member of the genus Eratoneura, it is expected to possess brochosomes—specialized nanoparticles that provide superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to the cuticle. The species has been recorded from several eastern U.S. states including Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, and Virginia.
Eratoneura carmini
Eratoneura carmini is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that provide a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its exoskeleton and wings. The species has been recorded across multiple North American regions including the southwestern United States and parts of Canada.
Eratoneura certa
Eratoneura certa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it possesses brochosomes—unique nanoparticles produced by leafhoppers that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the cuticle and wings. The species was described by Beamer in 1932 and has been recorded from Maryland, New Hampshire, and Ontario.
Eratoneura comoides
Eratoneura comoides is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other leafhoppers in its genus, it possesses brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the cuticle. The species was described by Ross and DeLong in 1953. It belongs to a diverse genus of small, often colorful leafhoppers associated with vegetation.
Eratoneura emquu
Eratoneura emquu is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Ross and DeLong in 1953. Like other members of its genus, it is a small plant-feeding insect that produces brochosomes—unique nanoparticles that coat its body surface. The species has been documented in several eastern U.S. states including Florida, Maine, Mississippi, and New Hampshire. Very few direct observations of this species have been recorded.
Eratoneura forfex
A small leafhopper species in the subfamily Typhlocybinae. As a member of genus Eratoneura, it likely produces brochosomes—protein-lipid nanoparticles that coat the body and wings, conferring superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species was described by Beamer in 1932.
Eratoneura fulleri
Eratoneura fulleri is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Hepner in 1967. Research has documented its distinctive brochosome coating—nanoparticles that create superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties on the cuticle. This species has been specifically studied for its brochosome distribution patterns, which include dense clusters on the outer wing edges used for redistribution across the body.
Eratoneura gillettei
Eratoneura gillettei is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it is a small, plant-feeding insect that produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat its body and wings. The species was described by Beamer in 1931. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Eratoneura hartii
Red Apple Leafhopper
Eratoneura hartii is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, commonly known as the Red Apple Leafhopper. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that coat the body and wings, conferring superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species has been recorded in the eastern and midwestern United States. As a typhlocybine leafhopper, it is presumed to feed on plant vascular tissues, though specific host associations for this species are not well documented.
Eratoneura hymac
Eratoneura hymac is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Robinson in 1924. As a member of the subfamily Typhlocybinae, it is a small plant-feeding insect that produces brochosomes—hollow, soccer ball-shaped nanoparticles that coat its body for waterproofing and anti-reflective protection. The species has been documented in research on brochosome distribution and wettability properties.
Eratoneura hymettana
Eratoneura hymettana is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Knull in 1949. As a member of the subfamily Typhlocybinae, it shares the characteristic brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties—found throughout the family. The species belongs to a genus of small, often colorful leafhoppers that feed on plant vascular tissues.
Eratoneura igella
Eratoneura igella is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Ross & DeLong in 1950. As a member of the genus Eratoneura, it belongs to a group of small, plant-feeding insects known for producing brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that render their bodies superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species is documented from Maryland and New Hampshire, with limited observational records available.
Eratoneura imbricariae
A leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. As with other Eratoneura species, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles formed in the Malpighian tubules and distributed across the cuticle using comb-like spines on the hind legs. These brochosomes confer superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to the exoskeleton and wings. The species has been recorded in Illinois.
Eratoneura inepta
Eratoneura inepta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Beamer in 1932. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a hydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body and wings. The species has been documented in research on brochosome distribution and wing wettability.
Eratoneura lenta
Eratoneura lenta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body and wings. The species was described by Beamer in 1932. As a typhlocybine leafhopper, it belongs to a group known for small size and association with vascular plants.
Eratoneura lunata
Eratoneura lunata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat the body and provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties. The species was described by McAtee in 1924 and has been recorded in eastern North America.
Eratoneura lundi
Eratoneura lundi is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Hepner in 1967. It belongs to a genus known for producing brochosomes—unique nanoparticle coatings that make leafhopper exoskeletons superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species has been recorded in the eastern United States, specifically in New Hampshire and Tennessee.
Eratoneura lusoria
Eratoneura lusoria is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body and wings. These microscopic structures are formed in the Malpighian tubules and distributed across the cuticle using comb-like spines on the hind legs. The species was described by Van Duzee in 1924.
Eratoneura manus
Eratoneura manus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Beamer in 1932. As a member of the subfamily Typhlocybinae, it shares the characteristic brochosome-producing capabilities common to this group. The species has been recorded in the northeastern United States, specifically New Hampshire and New York. Like other Eratoneura species, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap.
Eratoneura marilandicae
Eratoneura marilandicae is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ross in 1957. As a member of the genus Eratoneura, it belongs to a group of small, plant-feeding insects known for producing brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat their bodies and wings. The species has been documented in Maryland and New Hampshire. Like other leafhoppers in this genus, it likely exhibits the characteristic superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties conferred by brochosome coatings.
Eratoneura micheneri
Eratoneura micheneri is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it produces brochosomes—hollow, soccer ball-shaped nanoparticles that coat its body and wings, creating a superhydrophobic and anti-reflective surface. The species has been documented in 55 iNaturalist observations. Brochosomes are formed in the Malpighian tubules and distributed using comb-like spines on the hind legs.
Eratoneura mira
Eratoneura mira is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Beamer in 1932. Like other leafhoppers in this genus, it is a small, plant-feeding insect. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States. Leafhoppers in this family are known for producing brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat their bodies for waterproofing and anti-reflective properties.
Eratoneura mirifica
Eratoneura mirifica is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It is one of many species within the genus Eratoneura, a group of small plant-feeding insects commonly known as leafhoppers. The species was described by Beamer in 1932. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to its exoskeleton.
Eratoneura morgani
Eratoneura morgani is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1916. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group of small leafhoppers commonly known as sharpshooters or typhlocybine leafhoppers. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it possesses brochosomes—specialized nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to its cuticle.
Eratoneura opulenta
Eratoneura opulenta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Beamer in 1932. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, this species produces brochosomes—complex nanoparticles that coat the body surface, rendering it superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species has been documented in scientific literature regarding brochosome distribution patterns on its wings.
Eratoneura osborni
Eratoneura osborni is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it is a small plant-feeding insect. The species was described by DeLong in 1916. It has been documented in the eastern United States, with records from Maryland, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Virginia. As a typhlocybine leafhopper, it likely possesses the characteristic brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that provide hydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to the exoskeleton.
Eratoneura parva
Eratoneura parva is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex nanoparticles that coat the body and wings, providing superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species was described by Beamer in 1932 and belongs to a group of small, plant-feeding insects that have become subjects of biomaterials research due to their unique surface coatings.
Eratoneura restricta
Eratoneura restricta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat the body and wings to create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective surface. The species was described by Beamer in 1932. Very few specific biological details have been published for this species; most knowledge of its biology is inferred from genus-level or family-level traits.
Eratoneura rotunda
Eratoneura rotunda is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Beamer in 1931. As a member of the subfamily Typhlocybinae and tribe Erythroneurini, it belongs to a diverse group of small, plant-feeding insects. Like other leafhoppers in its genus, it possesses specialized nanoparticles called brochosomes that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to its exoskeleton.
Eratoneura stoveri
Eratoneura stoveri is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. As a member of the genus Eratoneura, it shares with other leafhoppers the distinctive trait of producing brochosomes—nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the body and wings. The species was described by Ross and DeLong in 1950. Like other Eratoneura species, it is a plant-feeding insect in the order Hemiptera.
Eratoneura trivittata
Eratoneura trivittata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of its genus, it possesses brochosomes—nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to its exoskeleton. The species was described by Robinson in 1924.