Elm-disease
Guides
Scaphoideus luteolus
White-banded Elm Leafhopper
Scaphoideus luteolus is a phloem sap-feeding leafhopper native to the eastern United States and the only confirmed vector of Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi (CPu), the causative agent of elm phytoplasma disease. The species does not cause direct damage through feeding but transmits this pathogen to elm trees (Ulmus spp.), resulting in heavy damage to North American elm populations. It has three developmental stages—egg, nymph, and adult—with overwintering occurring in the egg stage. Both nymphs and adults can acquire and transmit CPu and remain infective for life.