Leafhopper
Guides
Polyamia brevipennis
Polyamia brevipennis is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong and Davidson in 1935. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Deltocephalini. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it has been treated as a synonym in some sources. Records indicate it occurs in parts of the eastern United States, specifically Alabama and Illinois. Like other leafhoppers, it is a small, plant-feeding insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Polyamia caperata
Polyamia caperata is a leafhopper species in the subgenus Copolyamia, originally described from North America in 1900. It is one of several North American species in the genus Polyamia, which was historically considered restricted to that continent until the discovery of South American representatives. The species has been documented in scattered localities across the eastern and central United States.
Polyamia interrupta
Polyamia interrupta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. It was described by DeLong in 1916 and is currently accepted as a valid species. The genus Polyamia belongs to the tribe Deltocephalini, a diverse group of leafhoppers within the superfamily Membracoidea. Distribution records indicate occurrence in the eastern and midwestern United States.
Polyamia obtecta
Polyamia obtecta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Osborn & Ball in 1898. The species has been recorded in six U.S. states in the eastern and midwestern regions. Like other members of the genus Polyamia, it is a small, plant-feeding insect with limited documented ecological information. The genus Polyamia belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups of leafhoppers.
Polyamia weedi
Polyamia weedi is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. Originally described as Deltocephalus weedi by Van Duzee in 1892, it is one of several North American species in the genus Polyamia. The species has been documented across multiple eastern and midwestern U.S. states. Like other members of Cicadellidae, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant vascular tissues.
Polyamia yavapai
Polyamia yavapai is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, described by Tuthill in 1930. The specific epithet references the Yavapai people of Arizona, suggesting a southwestern U.S. origin. As a member of the genus Polyamia, it belongs to a group of small, agile leafhoppers commonly found in grassland and prairie habitats. Like other deltocephaline leafhoppers, it likely feeds on vascular plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Ponana
Ponana is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, established by Ball in 1920. The genus contains more than 100 described species. Members belong to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The genus is well-represented in citizen science observations, with thousands of records documented.
Ponana aenea
Ponana aenea is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae, tribe Gyponini. Described by DeLong in 1942, this species has been recorded from multiple U.S. states including Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, and Missouri. As a member of the Gyponini, it belongs to a group of leafhoppers characterized by their broad, often flattened body form. The specific epithet "aenea" refers to a bronze or coppery metallic coloration typical of many species in this genus.
Ponana curiata
Ponana curiata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae, and tribe Gyponini. First described by Gibson in 1919, this species is known from the southwestern United States. The taxonomic status of this name has been treated differently across sources, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym while GBIF treats it as accepted. Records indicate presence in Arizona and California.
Ponana dohrni
Ponana dohrni is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae, tribe Gyponini. First described by Carl Stål in 1864, this species is currently accepted as valid. Available distribution records indicate occurrence in the southwestern United States (Arizona, Colorado) and Mexico (Veracruz). As a member of the Gyponini, it belongs to a group of leafhoppers characterized by particular morphological features of the head and wing venation, though specific diagnostic traits for this species are not well documented in accessible literature.
Ponana floridana
Ponana floridana is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae, described by DeLong in 1942. The genus Ponana belongs to the tribe Gyponini, a group of leafhoppers characterized by their distinctive head shape and wing venation. This species is known from the southeastern United States, with records from Florida and Texas.
Ponana pectoralis
Ponana pectoralis is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae. Originally described by Spångberg in 1878 as a variety of Gypona scarlatina, it was later elevated to species status within the genus Ponana. The species belongs to the tribe Ponini, a group of leafhoppers characterized by their robust body form and often distinctive coloration. Like other members of the genus Ponana, P. pectoralis is associated with woody vegetation and is distributed across eastern and central North America.
Ponana puncticollis
Ponana puncticollis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Spångberg in 1878. It is a member of the large genus Ponana, which contains numerous North and Central American species. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the southeastern United States and Mexico, with over 950 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As with other cicadellids, it likely feeds on plant phloem, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Ponana scarlatina
Ponana scarlatina is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Fitch in 1851. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini, a group of relatively robust leafhoppers often associated with woody vegetation. The species has been documented in the eastern and southeastern United States, with records spanning from Connecticut to Florida. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with deciduous trees and shrubs, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ponana sonora
Ponana sonora is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Ball in 1935. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The species is known from Arizona, with records from the Sonoran Desert region. Like other members of the genus Ponana, it is a xylem-feeding insect associated with woody vegetation.
Ponana sparsa
Ponana sparsa is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae, described by DeLong in 1942. The species belongs to the diverse genus Ponana within the tribe Gyponini. Records indicate occurrence in Florida, with 58 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Populicerus aureus
Populicerus aureus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae, described by Hamilton in 1980. The genus Populicerus belongs to the tribe Idiocerini, a group of leafhoppers often associated with woody host plants. This species has been recorded across multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. Very limited biological information is available for this species specifically.
Populicerus formosus
Populicerus formosus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae. It is associated with Populus (poplar/cottonwood) host plants, as indicated by its genus name. The species has been documented across western North America from Alaska to Arizona.
Populicerus gillettei
Populicerus gillettei is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae, described by Hamilton in 1980. It belongs to a genus associated with Populus (poplar and aspen) host plants. The species has been recorded across northern North America from New Hampshire to Alberta.
Populicerus inebrius
Populicerus inebrius is a leafhopper species described by Hamilton in 1980. It belongs to the tribe Idiocerini, a group known for association with woody host plants, particularly poplars and willows. The species has been documented from Utah.
Populicerus pallidus
Populicerus pallidus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae. It was described by Fitch in 1851. The species is associated with poplar (Populus) hosts, as indicated by its genus name. It is found in western North America from Canada through the western United States.
Populicerus suturalis
Populicerus suturalis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae, described by Fitch in 1851. The genus Populicerus is associated with poplar (Populus) hosts, though specific host records for this species require verification. It has been recorded across western and northern North America from Alaska to Arizona.
Prairiana cinerea
Prairiana cinerea is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Uhler in 1877. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The species has been documented across multiple states in the central and western United States.
Prairiana hirsuta
Prairiana hirsuta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The species epithet "hirsuta" suggests a hairy or bristly appearance. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or distribution beyond basic taxonomic records.
Prairiana kansana
Prairiana kansana is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1920 as a variety of Gypona cinerea before being elevated to species status and transferred to the genus Prairiana. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The species epithet 'kansana' indicates its association with the state of Kansas. As a member of the leafhopper family, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific host plant associations have not been documented in the available sources.
Prairiana latens
Prairiana latens is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The species is known from Arizona based on available distribution records. As a member of the leafhopper family, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap, though specific host associations and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Prairiana moneta
Prairiana moneta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Gyponini, described by Van Duzee in 1923. It is a member of the Nearctic fauna with documented occurrence in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. As with other Gyponini, it likely inhabits grassland and shrubland ecosystems where it feeds on vascular plant sap.
Prairiana ponderosa
Prairiana ponderosa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae, and tribe Gyponini. First described by Ball in 1920 as a subspecies of Gypona cinerea, it is now recognized as a distinct species in the genus Prairiana. The specific epithet "ponderosa" likely references the ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), suggesting a potential host plant association, though this relationship has not been formally documented. The species is rarely observed, with only four records in iNaturalist as of the source data.
Prairiana subta
Prairiana subta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, originally described as a variety of Gypona cinerea by Ball in 1920 before being transferred to genus Prairiana. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini, a group of relatively robust leafhoppers often associated with grassland and prairie habitats. The species is known from scattered records across the western and central United States.
Prescottia
Prescottia is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, tribe Scaphoideini. The genus was established by Ball in 1932. Species within this genus are part of the diverse leafhopper fauna that inhabit various plant communities. Prescottia lobata has been documented as prey for the crabronid wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata.
Prescottia lobata
Prescottia lobata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1894. Originally placed in the genus Scaphoideus, it was later transferred to Prescottia. The species has been documented as a host for the digger wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata, which paralyzes adult leafhoppers to provision its nest cells. As a member of the subfamily Deltocephalinae, it belongs to one of the largest and most diverse groups of leafhoppers.
Proconiini
sharpshooters
Proconiini is a large tribe of xylem-feeding leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) comprising approximately 422 species in 58 genera, restricted to the New World. Members are commonly known as sharpshooters due to their rapid, directed flight patterns. The tribe includes major agricultural pests and vectors of Xylella fastidiosa, a phytopathogenic bacterium causing diseases in citrus, grapes, almonds, and other crops. Proconiini species exhibit distinctive morphological adaptations including brachyptery in high-altitude Andean forms and unique egg brochosome production for offspring protection.
Protalebra nexa
Protalebra nexa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by McAtee in 1926. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae and tribe Alebrini, a group of small, often inconspicuous leafhoppers that feed on plant phloem. The species has been recorded from Florida, Saint Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and the conterminous United States. As a member of the Typhlocybinae, it likely exhibits the typical reduced wing venation and small body size characteristic of this subfamily.
Protalebrella
Protalebrella is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, and tribe Alebrini. It was established by Young in 1952. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, including Brazil, Panama, and Paraguay. Species in this genus are small, delicate leafhoppers typical of the Typhlocybinae subfamily.
Protalebrella conica
Protalebrella conica is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, and tribe Alebrini. It was described by Ruppel and DeLong in 1953. The species belongs to a group of small, plant-feeding insects known for their piercing-sucking mouthparts and association with vascular plant tissues. Like other typhlocybine leafhoppers, it likely feeds on phloem sap.
Psammotettix
Psammotettix is a genus of leafhoppers in family Cicadellidae, tribe Paralimnini. Species occur in Eurasia and North America. Several species are significant agricultural pests as vectors of wheat viruses, including Wheat dwarf virus and Wheat yellow striate virus. The genus includes both generalist and halophilic species.
Psammotettix beirnei
Psammotettix beirnei is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Greene in 1971. It belongs to the genus Psammotettix, which comprises small, grass-associated leafhoppers. The species is recorded from Canada, consistent with the genus's generally Holarctic distribution.
Psammotettix cahuilla
Psammotettix cahuilla is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Edward P. Van Duzee in 1925. It belongs to a genus of grass-feeding leafhoppers commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions. The species epithet 'cahuilla' references the Cahuilla Nation, indigenous peoples of the Mojave Desert region.
Psammotettix dentatus
Psammotettix dentatus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Knull in 1954. It belongs to the genus Psammotettix, which comprises grass-feeding leafhoppers commonly found in sandy or psammophilous habitats. The species is part of the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Paralimnini, a group associated with grassland and open habitat ecosystems. Like other members of its genus, P. dentatus likely inhabits sandy soils and feeds on grasses, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Psammotettix lividellus
Psammotettix lividellus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. It belongs to a genus associated with sandy or psammophilous habitats. The species has been recorded across northern North America including Alaska, western Canada, and the northern United States. It is one of approximately 40 species in the genus Psammotettix, which is distributed across the Holarctic region.
Psammotettix nesiotus
Psammotettix nesiotus is a leafhopper species described by Hamilton in 2002. It belongs to the tribe Paralimnini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species is known from British Columbia, Canada. As with other members of Psammotettix, it likely inhabits sandy or coastal environments.
Rabela
Rabela is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, and tribe Alebrini. It was established by Young in 1952. As a member of the Typhlocybinae, it belongs to a group of small, often delicate leafhoppers characterized by reduced wing venation. The genus contains relatively few described species and is poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Rabela tabebuiae
Rabela tabebuiae is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It was described by Dozier in 1927. The species epithet suggests an association with Tabebuia, a genus of flowering trees in the family Bignoniaceae. Records indicate it occurs in Florida and the Caribbean.
Reticopsis
Reticopsis is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae, and tribe Macropsini. It was established by Hamilton in 1980. The genus is placed among the Australian eurymeline leafhoppers, a group known for often exhibiting host-plant associations with Myrtaceae. As a relatively small and understudied genus with limited observation records, detailed biological information remains sparse.
Reticopsis nubila
Reticopsis nubila is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae, described by Van Duzee in 1890. The genus Reticopsis belongs to the tribe Macropsini, a group of leafhoppers characterized by their association with woody plants. Records indicate this species occurs in California. As with many Macropsini, adults likely feed on plant phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Reventazonia
Reventazonia is a genus of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) in the subfamily Deltocephalinae, described by Linnavuori in 1959. The genus name derives from the Reventazón River in Costa Rica, indicating its Neotropical origin. Members are small, active insects that feed on plant phloem. The genus is documented in the leafhopper tribe Deltocephalini, one of the most diverse groups within the family.
Rhytidodus
Rhytidodus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae, tribe Idiocerini. The genus was established by Fieber in 1872 and is currently accepted as valid. Species in this genus are found in Europe, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of the Idiocerini, Rhytidodus belongs to a group of leafhoppers often associated with woody host plants.
Ribautiana
Ribautiana is a genus of small leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Species occur across North America, Europe, and Australia. Some species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of cane fruits and elm. The genus was established by Zakhvatkin in 1947.
Ribautiana tenerrima
Bramble Leafhopper
Ribautiana tenerrima, commonly known as the Bramble Leafhopper, is a European leafhopper species that has become an established agricultural pest in western North America. Both nymphs and adults feed on phloem sap from cane fruit leaves, causing distinctive white stippling damage. Severe infestations during dry seasons result in leaf curling, reduced cane vigor, and diminished fruit size. The species was first documented in North America in 1947 near Victoria, British Columbia, and has since spread to southern Vancouver Island and the lower Fraser Valley.
Ribautiana ulmi
Ribautiana ulmi is a typhlocybine leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is associated with elm trees (Ulmus), particularly wych elm (Ulmus glabra). Research has documented its distribution patterns within tree canopies, showing preference for more illuminated areas and basal leaves of branches. The species feeds selectively on palisade mesophyll cells.