Brochosomes
Guides
Oncometopia hamiltoni
Oncometopia hamiltoni is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Rakitov in 2016. It belongs to the tribe Proconiini, a group of large, active leafhoppers known for their xylem-feeding habits and distinctive "raining" behavior caused by forceful excretion of excess fluid. The species is part of a genus containing several economically significant sharpshooters that have been studied for their role in plant disease transmission and their interactions with egg parasitoids.
Oncometopia orbona
Broad-headed Sharpshooter
Oncometopia orbona, commonly known as the broad-headed sharpshooter, is a large leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. It feeds on xylem sap from plants, processing large volumes of nutrient-poor fluid and excreting the excess as honeydew—a behavior that creates the phenomenon of 'raining trees.' The species possesses distinctive white chalky brochosomes on its sides, used to powder egg-laying sites. It is a strong flier with excellent eyesight and serves as a host for egg parasitoids in the family Mymaridae.