Flavescence-dorée
Guides
Orientus ishidae
Japanese leafhopper, Mosaic leafhopper
Orientus ishidae is a leafhopper native to East Asia that has established populations across Europe and North America. Adults measure 4.5–6.5 mm and display a distinctive mosaic pattern on the forewings with an orange band between the eyes. The species is recognized as an alternative vector of phytoplasma diseases affecting grapevines, including Flavescence dorée, and has demonstrated capacity to acquire pathogens associated with Apple Proliferation and Elm Yellows. Its introduction to European agricultural landscapes has raised concerns due to its broad host plant range and potential to bridge wild and cultivated pathosystems.
Scaphoideus
Scaphoideus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. The genus is best known for Scaphoideus titanus, the American grapevine leafhopper, which is the primary vector of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma, a serious disease of grapevines in European vineyards. Members of this genus are small, plant-feeding insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus has a Nearctic origin, with S. titanus introduced to Europe approximately 150 years ago, likely via American rootstock material.
Scaphoideus titanus
American grapevine leafhopper
Scaphoideus titanus is a leafhopper native to North America that has become a major agricultural pest in Europe. Introduced accidentally around 150 years ago, likely via American rootstock material, it now acts as the primary vector of the grapevine phytoplasma disease Flavescence dorée (FD). The species exhibits unique vibrational communication for mating, with males producing substrate-borne signals detected by females. This trait has been exploited for developing mating disruption control methods. In Europe, the species is monophagous on cultivated grapevines, whereas in North America it feeds on various Vitaceae including wild grapevines.