Brochosomes
Guides
Eratoneura ungulata
Eratoneura ungulata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Beamer in 1932. As a member of the subfamily Typhlocybinae, it possesses brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that provide superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to its exoskeleton and wings. The species has been documented in Illinois and New Hampshire. Like other leafhoppers, it is a plant-feeding insect with specialized adaptations for waterproofing and surface protection.
Eratoneura unica
Eratoneura unica is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of its genus, it possesses brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles produced in the Malpighian tubules and distributed across the cuticle using comb-like hind leg spines. These structures render the exoskeleton superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States.
Graphocephala
sharpshooters, leafhoppers
Graphocephala is a large genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as sharpshooters. The genus is notable for its colorful, often vividly patterned species and its economic significance as vectors of plant pathogens. Members range from southern Canada to northern South America, with several species extensively studied for their role in transmitting Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease in grapevines. The genus includes well-known species such as the candy-striped leafhopper (G. coccinea) and the blue-green sharpshooter (G. atropunctata), a principal native vector of X. fastidiosa in California vineyards.
Graphocephala coccinea
red-banded leafhopper, candy-striped leafhopper, scarlet-and-green leafhopper, red-and-blue leafhopper
A medium-sized leafhopper distinguished by vivid coloration including blue or green and red or orange-red stripes on the wings and thorax, with bright yellow on the head, legs, and abdomen. Adults measure 6.7–8.4 mm in length. Native to North and Central America from Canada to Panama, inhabiting meadows and woodlands. Known to vector Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease in woody plants.
Graphocephala coccinea coccinea
Red-banded Leafhopper, Candystriped Leafhopper, Scarlet-and-Green Leafhopper
Graphocephala coccinea coccinea is a subspecies of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Red-banded Leafhopper or Candystriped Leafhopper. This subspecies is restricted to coastal areas along the Atlantic seaboard of North America, where it feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Adults measure 5.7–8.4 mm in length, with females slightly larger than males. The species produces brochosomes, unique nanoparticles that render its exoskeleton superhydrophobic and anti-reflective.
Graphocephala confluens
Willow Leafhopper
A sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, Graphocephala confluens is a western North American species closely related to the more widely known candy-striped leafhopper (G. coccinea). Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic brochosome coating that makes leafhoppers superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species is associated with willow and other woody plants in riparian and wetland habitats.
Graphocephala constricta
Graphocephala constricta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1985. As a member of the genus Graphocephala, it shares the distinctive colorful patterning characteristic of sharpshooters in this group. The species is documented from a limited number of observations in the south-central United States. Like other leafhoppers in this genus, it possesses brochosomes—specialized nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to the cuticle.
Graphocephala cythura
Graphocephala cythura is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, characterized by its membership in a genus known for brightly colored and patterned sharpshooters. Like other Graphocephala species, it possesses brochosomes—unique nanoparticles that confer superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to its exoskeleton. The species occurs in western North America and has been introduced to Hawaii.
Graphocephala fennahi
rhododendron leafhopper
Graphocephala fennahi, commonly known as the rhododendron leafhopper, is a colorful leafhopper species native to the southeastern United States. Adults measure 8–10 mm in length, with males slightly smaller than females. The species exhibits striking coloration: green wings with purple tips featuring two orange stripes, yellow head and legs, and a purple stripe across the head extending over the eyes. Introduced to Great Britain in the 1930s and continental Europe in the 1970s, it has established populations in urban and ornamental settings. The species feeds exclusively on rhododendron sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Graphocephala hieroglyphica
Hieroglyphic Leafhopper
Graphocephala hieroglyphica is a sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, characterized by distinctive patterned coloration typical of the genus. Like other Graphocephala species, it possesses brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that make its exoskeleton superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species is found across North America from Alabama to British Columbia, inhabiting diverse environments including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.
Graphocephala hieroglyphica atra
Graphocephala hieroglyphica atra is a subspecies of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. Like other members of the genus Graphocephala, it possesses brochosomes—protein-lipid nanoparticles produced in the Malpighian tubules and applied to the body surface using comb-like spines on the hind legs. These brochosomes render the cuticle superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The subspecies designation 'atra' indicates a dark or black coloration variant of the species G. hieroglyphica. Leafhoppers in this genus are plant feeders that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract xylem fluids.
Graphocephala ignava
Graphocephala ignava is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1936. Like other members of the genus Graphocephala, this species likely possesses the characteristic brochosomes—nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to the cuticle. The species is known from limited collection records in Arizona and Mexico. As a member of the subfamily Cicadellinae, it is classified as a sharpshooter, a group known for their relatively large size among leafhoppers and their association with xylem-feeding habits.
Graphocephala minuenda
Graphocephala minuenda is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong and Currie in 1960. It belongs to the genus Graphocephala, which includes several colorful sharpshooter leafhoppers found in North America. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it likely possesses the characteristic brochosome coating that gives leafhoppers their water-repellent and anti-reflective properties.
Graphocephala n-sp-az-i
Graphocephala n-sp-az-i is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, a group of plant-feeding true bugs known for their vibrant coloration and distinctive morphology. Like other members of the genus Graphocephala, this species is expected to exhibit the characteristic sharpshooter body plan with bold patterning. Leafhoppers in this genus are notable for producing brochosomes—unique nanoparticles that provide superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to their exoskeletons. The specific epithet "n-sp-az-i" suggests this may be an undescribed or provisionally designated species, potentially from Arizona based on the naming convention.
Gypona melanota
Gypona melanota is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Spångberg in 1878. As a member of the genus Gypona, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that coat its exoskeleton and wings, conferring superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species has been documented in several North American regions including Alberta, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, and Georgia. Brochosomes of Gypona species feature distinctive angular, geometric pit structures compared to the smoother brochosomes of some related genera.
Gypona verticalis
Gypona verticalis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Carl Stål in 1864. As a member of the Gyponini tribe, it belongs to a group of leafhoppers characterized by their broad, somewhat flattened body form. The genus Gypona is notable for producing brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat the body and provide superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. This species has been recorded from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Gypona vexana
Gypona vexana is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. As a member of the Gyponini tribe, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body. The species is recorded from western North America, with confirmed distribution in Colorado, Idaho, and Utah. Like other Gypona species, it exhibits brochosomes with more angled, geometric pit structures compared to some related genera.
Gyponana angulata
Gyponana angulata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, characterized by its production of brochosomes—microscopic nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its exoskeleton. The species was first described by Spångberg in 1878 under the basionym Gypona angulata. Brochosomes produced by Gyponana species feature distinctive angular, geometric pit structures compared to the smoother, more circular brochosomes of some other leafhopper genera. These nanoparticles are formed in the Malpighian tubules and distributed across the body using comb-like spines on the hind legs.
Gyponana avara
Gyponana avara is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a highly water-repellent and anti-reflective coating on its exoskeleton and wings. The species has been documented in the eastern United States.
Gyponana cacumina
Gyponana cacumina is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body and wings. The species has been recorded from multiple states in the northeastern United States and Arizona.
Gyponana cana
Gyponana cana is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Burmeister in 1839. Like other members of the genus Gyponana, this species produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its exoskeleton and wings. The species has been documented across multiple U.S. states including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and Kansas.
Gyponana cf-protenta
A leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, Gyponana cf-protenta is distinguished by its production of brochosomes—complex nanoparticles that coat the body and wings. These particles, formed in the Malpighian tubules and distributed using comb-like hind leg spines, create a superhydrophobic and anti-reflective surface. The species is part of a genus known for brochosomes with distinctly angled, geometric pit morphology compared to smoother forms in related genera. Research on this taxon contributes to bioinspired materials science.
Gyponana cf-salsa
Gyponana cf-salsa is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, notable for producing distinctive brochosomes—geometric nanoparticles that coat its body surface. The brochosomes of Gyponana species feature more angled, geometric pits compared to those of some other leafhopper genera. These nanoparticles render the insect's cuticle superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species is attracted to blacklight traps and has been documented in North American collections.
Gyponana elongata
Gyponana elongata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1935. As a member of the genus Gyponana, it produces brochosomes—hollow, soccer ball-shaped nanoparticles that coat its body surface. These brochosomes, measuring approximately 500 nanometers in diameter with angular, geometric surface pits, render the cuticle superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species is known from California, with minimal observational records.
Gyponana expanda
Laminate Leafhopper
Gyponana expanda is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of the genus Gyponana, this species produces brochosomes—complex nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its exoskeleton and wings. The species has been recorded in several Midwestern and Northeastern U.S. states. Leafhoppers in this genus are known for their distinctive brochosome morphology, which features more angled, geometric pits compared to brochosomes of some other leafhopper genera.
Gyponana flavilineata
Gyponana flavilineata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. As a member of the genus Gyponana, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its exoskeleton and wings. The species has been documented across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
Gyponana geminata
Gyponana geminata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Osborn in 1905. Like other leafhoppers in the genus Gyponana, this species produces brochosomes—hollow, soccer ball-shaped nanoparticles that coat the exoskeleton and wings, rendering them superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The brochosomes of Gyponana species feature distinctively angled, geometric pits that differ morphologically from those of other leafhopper genera. This species has been documented in northeastern North America.
Gyponana gibbera
Gyponana gibbera is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of the genus Gyponana, it produces distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles that form a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its cuticle. The species has been recorded in Florida.
Gyponana gladia
Gyponana gladia is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of its genus, it possesses distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles produced in the Malpighian tubules that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the body and wings. The species has been documented at blacklight traps in autumn, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns. It is one of many small, often overlooked leafhopper species that contribute to the high diversity of Hemiptera in North American temperate regions.
Gyponana hasta
Gyponana hasta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. It is currently treated as a synonym of Gyponana angulata in major taxonomic databases. The species has been documented as a vector of California aster-yellows virus. Like other members of genus Gyponana, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the body surface.
Gyponana mali
Gyponana mali is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat its body for water repellency and anti-reflective camouflage. The species has been recorded in parts of eastern North America including Georgia, Illinois, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Ontario. As a member of the Gyponini tribe, it belongs to a group of leafhoppers characterized by particular morphological and ecological traits, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature.
Gyponana octolineata
Eight-lined Leafhopper
Gyponana octolineata, commonly known as the Eight-lined Leafhopper, is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. Like other members of its genus, it produces distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat its exoskeleton and wings, rendering them superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species has been documented across western and central North America. It is attracted to blacklight traps and is active into the autumn months in temperate regions.
Gyponana omani
Gyponana omani is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. As a member of the genus Gyponana, it produces distinctive brochosomes—hollow, geometric nanoparticles that coat its exoskeleton and wings. These brochosomes are characterized by more angled, geometric surface pits compared to those of some related genera. The species has been documented from Texas and Mexico.
Gyponana ortha
Gyponana ortha is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. As a member of the genus Gyponana, it is known to produce brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the exoskeleton. The species has been documented in the eastern and midwestern United States, including records from Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and the District of Columbia. Like other leafhoppers, it is a plant-feeding insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Gyponana palma
Gyponana palma is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of the genus Gyponana, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat its body and wings, providing superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species has been documented in scattered records across the eastern and central United States.
Gyponana parallela
Gyponana parallela is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. As a member of the genus Gyponana, it produces brochosomes—complex nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body. The species has been recorded from the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Washington State. Like other leafhoppers, it is a plant-feeding insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Gyponana pollex
Gyponana pollex is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 2017. Like other members of its genus, this species produces distinctive brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the body and wings. The brochosomes of Gyponana species are characterized by more angled, geometric surface pits compared to the smoother brochosomes of some related genera. This species has been documented in New Hampshire.
Gyponana praelonga
Gyponana praelonga is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Members of this genus, including G. praelonga, are notable for producing brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the exoskeleton. The brochosomes of Gyponana species feature distinctively angled, geometric pit structures compared to those of other leafhopper genera.
Gyponana procera
Gyponana procera is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Leafhoppers in this genus are characterized by producing brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on their exoskeletons. G. procera is one of many small leafhopper species that contribute to the remarkable diversity of this group in North America.
Gyponana quebecensis
Gyponana quebecensis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described from Quebec in 1872. As a member of genus Gyponana, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body and wings. The species has been documented across multiple U.S. states including Florida, Illinois, Maine, Montana, and New Hampshire.
Gyponana scrupulosa
Gyponana scrupulosa is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a water-repellent, anti-reflective coating on its body. The species has been documented in several U.S. states including Illinois, Kansas, Florida, Georgia, and the District of Columbia. It is attracted to blacklight traps and has been collected in autumn.
Gyponana serpenta
Leafhopper
Gyponana cf. serpenta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, notable for producing distinctive brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that coat its body surface. The brochosomes of Gyponana species feature more angled, geometric pits compared to those of other leafhopper genera. These nanoparticles render the cuticle superhydrophobic and anti-reflective, properties that have attracted significant research interest for bioinspired materials design.
Gyponana sonora
Gyponana sonora is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1982. Like other members of the genus Gyponana, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its exoskeleton. Brochosomes from Gyponana species have been documented to feature more angled, geometric surface pits compared to those of other leafhopper genera. The species is associated with the Sonoran Desert region, as indicated by its specific epithet.
Gyponana striata
Gyponana striata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, order Hemiptera. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that form a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the body surface. The species has been documented from western and northeastern North America, with records from British Columbia to California and eastward to Connecticut and Delaware. Brochosomes of Gyponana species feature more angled, geometric surface pits compared to the smoother, more circular brochosomes of some related genera.
Gyponana tenella
Gyponana tenella is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. Leafhoppers in the genus Gyponana have been documented producing distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles that create a water-repellent, anti-reflective coating on the exoskeleton. The species has been recorded in multiple U.S. states including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. As a member of the subfamily Iassinae, it belongs to a diverse group of plant-feeding insects typically associated with woody vegetation.
Gyponana toxotes
Gyponana toxotes is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1982. Like other members of the genus Gyponana, it produces brochosomes—hollow, soccer ball-shaped nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic and anti-reflective coating on its body. The species has been documented in Florida. Brochosomes produced by Gyponana species feature more angled, geometric pits compared to those of some other leafhopper genera.
Gyponana tubera
Gyponana tubera is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. As a member of the genus Gyponana, it possesses brochosomes—complex nanoparticles that coat the exoskeleton and wings, conferring superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species has been documented in scattered locations across the United States, with records from California to the eastern seaboard.
Gyponana vasta
Gyponana vasta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of the genus Gyponana, it produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body. The species is recorded from the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States.
Gyponana vincula
Gyponana vincula is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of its genus, it produces distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on its body. The species has been recorded from several Midwestern and Northeastern U.S. states.
Oncometopia
sharpshooters
Oncometopia is a genus of sharpshooters (leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae) found in North and South America, erected by Carl Stål in 1869. Species range from 9.4 to 15.0 mm in length and are characterized by distinctive morphological features including a moderately produced head, coriaceous forewings with apical membranes, and specialized hindleg tarsomere proportions. Several species are economically important as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases such as phony peach disease and citrus variegated chlorosis.