Leafhoppers
Guides
Aphrodinae
leafhoppers
Aphrodinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, containing approximately 7 genera and at least 20 described species. The subfamily is divided into three tribes: Aphrodini, Sagmatiini, and Xestocephalini. Members are distributed across the Holarctic, Neotropical, and Australasian regions, with some species exhibiting notable morphological variability, particularly in Alpine populations. Species identification relies heavily on male genital morphology and, in some groups, acoustic signaling.
Cicadellini
sharpshooters
Cicadellini is a large tribe of leafhoppers (sharpshooters) within the family Cicadellidae, comprising approximately 1,886 described species across 266 genera—four times more diverse than the related tribe Proconiini. These insects are characterized by their distinctive suctorial-piercing mouthparts adapted for xylem-feeding. The tribe exhibits highest diversity in the Neotropical region, with significant economic importance as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Citrus Variegated Chlorosis and other diseases affecting commercial crops.
Cicadulini
Cicadulini is a tribe of leafhoppers within the subfamily Deltocephalinae, comprising 15 genera and over 120 described species. The tribe is characterized by acoustic communication through male calling signals, as documented in genera such as Taurotettix. Species within Cicadulini occur across diverse regions including Central Asia, Siberia, the Russian Far East, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and parts of Europe. The group has been studied for morphological variation and geographical variability in both form and sound production.
Errhomeninae
Errhomeninae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) comprising three tribes: Errhomenini, Bathysmatophorini, and Malmaemichungiini. The subfamily contains approximately 20 genera, including both extant and extinct taxa. Species in this group exhibit notable morphological variability, particularly in genital structures and coloration, with some taxa showing significant regional variation across their range.
Xyphon
sharpshooters, leafhoppers
Xyphon is a genus of sharpshooters in the family Cicadellidae, established by Hamilton in 1985. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed in North America. Two species have established common names: Xyphon flaviceps (yellow-headed leafhopper) and Xyphon reticulatum (bermudagrass leafhopper). Members of this genus are part of the tribe Cicadellini within the subfamily Cicadellinae.