Sharpshooter
Guides
Alconeura tricolor
Alconeura tricolor is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, tribe Dikraneurini. It was described by Van Duzee in 1914. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with records from California and New Mexico. As a member of the Typhlocybinae, it belongs to a group commonly known as the 'sharpshooters' or 'leafhoppers,' though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Apogonalia omani
A leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Young in 1977. The species is known from Oman and has been documented in the southwestern United States (Arizona). It belongs to a genus of sharpshooters, a group known for their xylem-feeding habits and potential role as vectors of plant pathogens.
Balclutha abdominalis
Balclutha abdominalis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1892. It is a member of the genus Balclutha, which comprises small, often colorful leafhoppers commonly referred to as sharpshooters or microleafhoppers. The species has been recorded across western and central North America, with distribution records from Alabama, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and other regions. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits grassy or herbaceous vegetation where it feeds on plant sap.
Cicadellinae
sharpshooters, leafhoppers
Cicadellinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) within the order Hemiptera. Members of the tribe Proconiini within this subfamily are commonly known as 'sharpshooters.' The subfamily currently contains five tribes: Cicadellini, Makilingiini, Phereurhinini, Proconiini, and Tungurahualini. Cicadellinae leafhoppers are globally distributed and are significant agricultural pests due to their role as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases including Pierce's disease of grape, phony peach disease, and citrus variegated chlorosis.
Ciminius sidanus
Ciminius sidanus is a Nearctic sharpshooter leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) originally described as Cicadella sidana by Ball in 1936. It is one of three Nearctic species in the genus Ciminius, which was recovered as monophyletic with high support in a morphological phylogenetic analysis. The species belongs to the Articulate Stem Clade, a group defined by unique connective morphology among all Cicadellini.
Cosmocomoidea
Cosmocomoidea is a genus of fairyflies (Mymaridae) established by Howard in 1908. Species within this genus are solitary egg parasitoids primarily associated with sharpshooter leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae), which are vectors of plant pathogens including Xylella fastidiosa. The genus has been documented from Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, India), Europe (Denmark, Sweden), and South America, with C. annulicornis being the most extensively studied species due to its potential as a biological control agent.
Cuerna
Cuerna is a genus of leafhoppers (sharpshooters) in the family Cicadellidae, established by Melichar in 1924. The genus comprises 26 described species distributed across North America from Canada and Alaska to Panama, with highest species diversity in the southwestern United States. As members of the tribe Proconiini, these insects are part of a group known for their xylem-feeding habits and association with diverse plant hosts.
Cuerna costalis
Lateral-lined Sharpshooter
Cuerna costalis, known as the lateral-lined sharpshooter, is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It is native to the eastern half of the United States. The species is distinguished by its black and red coloration with longitudinal stripes on the forewings and a prominent white stripe running from the eye along the side of the abdomen. It is the only species in the genus Cuerna with red on its legs.
Cuerna lyrifora
Cuerna lyrifora is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described in 2015. It belongs to the tribe Proconiini, a group known for their large size and powerful jumping ability among leafhoppers. The species was established based on morphological distinctions from congeners.
Cuerna n-sp-ok-i
Cuerna n-sp-ok-i is an undescribed species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the tribe Proconiini, known from Oklahoma. The genus Cuerna includes medium-sized leafhoppers that are part of the diverse egg parasitoid research conducted by Dr. S.V. Triapitsyn and colleagues. Species in this genus are associated with egg parasitoids in the families Mymaridae and Trichogrammatidae, which have been studied extensively for biological control applications. The 'n-sp-ok-i' designation indicates this is a new species awaiting formal description, with the suffix denoting its Oklahoma origin.
Cuerna obtusa
Cuerna obtusa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Proconiini. It was described by Oman and Beamer in 1944. The species belongs to a genus of sharpshooters, a group of leafhoppers known for their ability to shoot liquid waste droplets away from their bodies. Distribution records indicate occurrence in the southwestern United States.
Cuerna occidentalis
Cuerna occidentalis is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Proconiini. The species was described by Oman and Beamer in 1944. As a member of the Cuerna genus, it is part of a group of leafhoppers known for their association with woody host plants and their role as vectors of plant pathogens. The species has been documented in California, USA.
Cuerna possibly-undescribed-az
A potentially undescribed species in the sharpshooter genus Cuerna, known from Arizona. The genus Cuerna belongs to the tribe Proconiini and comprises large, robust leafhoppers often associated with woody host plants. This putative species has been documented but awaits formal taxonomic description.
Cuerna sayi
Cuerna sayi is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Proconiini, described by Nielson in 1965. It is native to North America and has been recorded as a host for egg parasitoids in the families Mymaridae and Trichogrammatidae. The species is part of the economically important sharpshooter group, some members of which are vectors of plant pathogens including Xylella fastidiosa.
Cuerna undescribed-sp-tx-i
Cuerna undescribed-sp-tx-i is an undescribed species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the genus Cuerna, known from Texas. The genus Cuerna belongs to the tribe Cicadellini and includes several described species characterized by bold color patterns and association with woody host plants. This particular taxon represents a distinct morphotype or lineage that has been documented but not yet formally described in the scientific literature.
Cuerna yuccae
Yucca Sharpshooter
Cuerna yuccae is a sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Oman & Beamer in 1944. It belongs to the tribe Proconiini, a group known for their role as vectors of plant pathogens including Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease in grapevines. The species is associated with yucca plants and occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States. Like other proconiine sharpshooters, it feeds on xylem fluid and has potential significance in plant disease epidemiology.
Decua
Decua is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Cicadellini, established by Oman in 1949. As a member of the subfamily Cicadellinae, it belongs to a diverse group of sap-feeding insects commonly known as sharpshooters. The genus is part of the large leafhopper fauna of the Western Hemisphere. No species-level biological data or diagnostic descriptions are readily available in major databases.
Draeculacephala
Draeculacephala is a genus of sharpshooter leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) comprising at least 25 described species distributed throughout the New World. Adults are typically 6–11 mm in length with distinctive triangular heads that project forward to a point. Most species exhibit green coloration, though some are straw-colored. The genus is economically significant due to its association with grasses and cereals, with several species acting as vectors of plant pathogens including Xylella fastidiosa. Draeculacephala robinsoni, recently introduced to Europe, represents an emerging threat to Mediterranean agriculture.
Draeculacephala balli
Draeculacephala balli is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1915. It belongs to a genus of sharpshooters, a group known for their strong jumping ability and xylem-feeding habits. The species has been recorded across the southeastern United States.
Draeculacephala californica
Draeculacephala californica is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Davidson & Frazier in 1949. The species is known from California, Hawaii, and Sonora, Mexico. As a member of the genus Draeculacephala, it belongs to a group of leafhoppers commonly referred to as sharpshooters, which are known for their xylem-feeding habits and association with various host plants. The species has been documented in biological control research, particularly in studies examining egg parasitoids of leafhoppers.
Draeculacephala minerva
grass sharpshooter, green sharpshooter
Draeculacephala minerva is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the grass sharpshooter or green sharpshooter. It is native to North America and has been documented as a vector of Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterial pathogen that causes Pierce's disease in grapevines and other plant diseases. The species is closely related to Draeculacephala robinsoni, which has recently been introduced to Europe and poses similar agricultural threats. Its eggs are parasitized by several species of Trichogrammatidae and Mymaridae wasps in California.
Draeculacephala navicula
Draeculacephala navicula is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1985. It belongs to the genus Draeculacephala, a group of sharpshooters known for their association with various host plants and their role as vectors of plant pathogens. The species has been recorded from southern Texas in the United States and the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tamaulipas. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with grassland and agricultural habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Draeculacephala noveboracensis
Black-ledged Sharpshooter
Draeculacephala noveboracensis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Black-ledged Sharpshooter. It is native to North America and has been documented as a host for egg parasitoids in the families Mymaridae and Trichogrammatidae. The species has been studied in California in relation to biological control programs targeting sharpshooter pests.
Draeculacephala paludosa
Draeculacephala paludosa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball & China in 1933. The species belongs to the genus Draeculacephala, a group of sharpshooter leafhoppers distributed primarily in North America. Limited information is available regarding its specific biology and ecology.
Draeculacephala robinsoni
Draeculacephala robinsoni is a sharpshooter leafhopper species native to North America that was first detected in Europe in 2022. It has been introduced to northeastern Spain and southern France, where it is expanding in agricultural areas. The species is a known vector of Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterial pathogen threatening European vineyards, olives, and almonds. It has been recorded from ryegrass, barley, and rice fields, and its recent detection in Occitanie (France)—where X. fastidiosa is already present—raises concerns about altered disease epidemiology in the Mediterranean region.
Draeculacephala savannahae
Draeculacephala savannahae is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1985. It belongs to the genus Draeculacephala, a group of sharpshooters within the tribe Cicadellini. The species is known from the southeastern United States, with records from Georgia. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with grassland or savanna habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Draeculacephala soluta
Draeculacephala soluta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Gibson in 1919. It belongs to the genus Draeculacephala, a group of sharpshooter leafhoppers known for their association with various host plants and their role as vectors of plant pathogens. The species has been recorded from multiple localities in Mexico and Central America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation and agricultural settings.
Erasmoneura atra
Erasmoneura atra is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Johnson in 1935. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae and tribe Erythroneurini, a group of small, often colorful leafhoppers commonly known as sharpshooters. The species is known from the northeastern United States, with records from Maryland and New Hampshire.
Eratoneura morgani
Eratoneura morgani is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1916. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group of small leafhoppers commonly known as sharpshooters or typhlocybine leafhoppers. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it possesses brochosomes—specialized nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to its cuticle.
Erythridula penelutea
Erythridula penelutea is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Beamer in 1930. As a member of the Erythroneurini tribe, it belongs to a diverse group of small, often colorful leafhoppers commonly known as sharpshooters or microleafhoppers. The genus Erythridula comprises numerous species, many of which are challenging to distinguish without microscopic examination. Like other typhlocybine leafhoppers, this species likely feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Erythroneura bidens
Erythroneura bidens is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by McAtee in 1924. It belongs to the genus Erythroneura, a diverse group of small leafhoppers commonly known as sharpshooters or microleafhoppers. The species has been documented from scattered locations in the eastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woody vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain poorly documented.
Gonatocerus
fairyfly
Gonatocerus is a speciose genus of fairyflies (Mymaridae) comprising at least 260 described species. These minute parasitoid wasps are primary egg parasitoids of leafhoppers and sharpshooters (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with several species extensively studied for biological control of agricultural pests, particularly the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis). The genus is divided into five subgenera: Gonatocerus (nominate), Lymaenon, Cosmocomoidea, Gastrogonatocerus, and Gahanopsis, with species distributed across all major biogeographic regions.
Gonatocerus morrilli
Gonatocerus morrilli is a mymarid wasp and specialized egg parasitoid of sharpshooters in the genus Homalodisca, particularly the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis, formerly H. coagulata). It has been widely used in California as a biological control agent against this pest, which vectors Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease in grapevines. Molecular studies have revealed significant genetic differentiation between California and Texas populations, with evidence suggesting the California population may represent a cryptic species. The species exhibits high parasitism efficiency, with females capable of parasitizing virtually all eggs in egg masses within 24 hours.
Graphocephala
sharpshooters, leafhoppers
Graphocephala is a large genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as sharpshooters. The genus is notable for its colorful, often vividly patterned species and its economic significance as vectors of plant pathogens. Members range from southern Canada to northern South America, with several species extensively studied for their role in transmitting Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease in grapevines. The genus includes well-known species such as the candy-striped leafhopper (G. coccinea) and the blue-green sharpshooter (G. atropunctata), a principal native vector of X. fastidiosa in California vineyards.
Graphocephala atropunctata
blue-green sharpshooter
Graphocephala atropunctata, commonly known as the blue-green sharpshooter, is a xylem-feeding leafhopper native to the western United States. It is the principal native vector of Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium that causes Pierce's disease in grapevines. This species has been extensively studied for its feeding behaviors using electropenetrography (EPG) techniques, which have characterized distinct waveform patterns associated with stylet penetration and xylem ingestion. Its role as a disease vector makes it economically significant to California's vineyard industry.
Graphocephala aurora
Graphocephala aurora is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Baker in 1898 under the name Tettigonia aurora. As a member of the genus Graphocephala, it shares the distinctive characteristics of this group, including colorful patterning and association with the subfamily Cicadellinae (sharpshooters). The species is known from limited distributional records in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Graphocephala coccinea
red-banded leafhopper, candy-striped leafhopper, scarlet-and-green leafhopper, red-and-blue leafhopper
A medium-sized leafhopper distinguished by vivid coloration including blue or green and red or orange-red stripes on the wings and thorax, with bright yellow on the head, legs, and abdomen. Adults measure 6.7–8.4 mm in length. Native to North and Central America from Canada to Panama, inhabiting meadows and woodlands. Known to vector Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease in woody plants.
Graphocephala coccinea quadrivittata
Red-banded Leafhopper, Candy-striped Leafhopper, Scarlet-and-Green Leafhopper
Graphocephala coccinea quadrivittata is the inland subspecies of the candy-striped or red-banded leafhopper, distinguished from the coastal nominate subspecies G. c. coccinea by its slightly larger size and four-striped pattern. Adults display vivid scarlet and green longitudinal stripes on the dorsal surface, making them among the most visually striking leafhoppers in North America. This subspecies is a generalist feeder on plant xylem sap and is known to vector Pierce's Disease, a bacterial pathogen lethal to grapevines and other woody plants.
Graphocephala confluens
Willow Leafhopper
A sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, Graphocephala confluens is a western North American species closely related to the more widely known candy-striped leafhopper (G. coccinea). Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic brochosome coating that makes leafhoppers superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species is associated with willow and other woody plants in riparian and wetland habitats.
Graphocephala constricta
Graphocephala constricta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1985. As a member of the genus Graphocephala, it shares the distinctive colorful patterning characteristic of sharpshooters in this group. The species is documented from a limited number of observations in the south-central United States. Like other leafhoppers in this genus, it possesses brochosomes—specialized nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to the cuticle.
Graphocephala cythura
Graphocephala cythura is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, characterized by its membership in a genus known for brightly colored and patterned sharpshooters. Like other Graphocephala species, it possesses brochosomes—unique nanoparticles that confer superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to its exoskeleton. The species occurs in western North America and has been introduced to Hawaii.
Graphocephala fennahi
rhododendron leafhopper
Graphocephala fennahi, commonly known as the rhododendron leafhopper, is a colorful leafhopper species native to the southeastern United States. Adults measure 8–10 mm in length, with males slightly smaller than females. The species exhibits striking coloration: green wings with purple tips featuring two orange stripes, yellow head and legs, and a purple stripe across the head extending over the eyes. Introduced to Great Britain in the 1930s and continental Europe in the 1970s, it has established populations in urban and ornamental settings. The species feeds exclusively on rhododendron sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Graphocephala hieroglyphica
Hieroglyphic Leafhopper
Graphocephala hieroglyphica is a sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, characterized by distinctive patterned coloration typical of the genus. Like other Graphocephala species, it possesses brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that make its exoskeleton superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species is found across North America from Alabama to British Columbia, inhabiting diverse environments including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.
Graphocephala ignava
Graphocephala ignava is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1936. Like other members of the genus Graphocephala, this species likely possesses the characteristic brochosomes—nanoparticles that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to the cuticle. The species is known from limited collection records in Arizona and Mexico. As a member of the subfamily Cicadellinae, it is classified as a sharpshooter, a group known for their relatively large size among leafhoppers and their association with xylem-feeding habits.
Graphocephala lugubris
Graphocephala lugubris is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Signoret in 1854. It belongs to a genus known for colorful, patterned species commonly called sharpshooters. Like other leafhoppers in this genus, it likely possesses brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that provide water-repellent and anti-reflective properties. The species has been recorded in the south-central United States.
Graphocephala marathonensis
Graphocephala marathonensis is a little-known leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Olsen in 1918. It belongs to a genus noted for colorful, patterned species often called 'sharpshooters.' The species has been documented from Texas and Michoacán, Mexico, but remains poorly studied compared to congeners like G. coccinea. Available information on its biology is sparse, with host-plant associations and seasonality noted as subjects requiring further investigation.
Graphocephala minuenda
Graphocephala minuenda is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong and Currie in 1960. It belongs to the genus Graphocephala, which includes several colorful sharpshooter leafhoppers found in North America. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it likely possesses the characteristic brochosome coating that gives leafhoppers their water-repellent and anti-reflective properties.
Graphocephala n-sp-az-i
Graphocephala n-sp-az-i is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, a group of plant-feeding true bugs known for their vibrant coloration and distinctive morphology. Like other members of the genus Graphocephala, this species is expected to exhibit the characteristic sharpshooter body plan with bold patterning. Leafhoppers in this genus are notable for producing brochosomes—unique nanoparticles that provide superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to their exoskeletons. The specific epithet "n-sp-az-i" suggests this may be an undescribed or provisionally designated species, potentially from Arizona based on the naming convention.
Graphocephala subrufa
Graphocephala subrufa is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong & Currie in 1960. It belongs to a genus known for colorful, patterned species often called sharpshooters. Like other Graphocephala, it likely exhibits the characteristic features of the genus including vibrant coloration and association with plant-feeding habits. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Graphocephala uhleri
Graphocephala uhleri is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. As a member of the genus Graphocephala, it belongs to a group known for vivid coloration and distinctive patterning. The species was described by Ball in 1901 and occurs in western North America. Like other leafhoppers, it possesses specialized hind legs adapted for jumping and produces brochosomes—nanoparticles that confer water-repellent and anti-reflective properties to its cuticle.
Graphocephala versuta
Versute Sharpshooter
Graphocephala versuta is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. It is a member of the genus Graphocephala, which includes several colorful and economically significant leafhopper species. Like other sharpshooters, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant xylem fluids. The species has been documented in various North American habitats and is part of the diverse leafhopper fauna that includes vectors of plant pathogens.
Helochara communis
bog leafhopper
Helochara communis, commonly known as the bog leafhopper, is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. The species has been documented to possess paired mycetomes within its abdomen containing multiple bacterial symbionts, with research demonstrating complex endosymbiotic relationships involving symbiote translocation and auxiliary cells. As a member of the sharpshooter group, it belongs to a lineage known for xylem-feeding and associated roles in plant pathogen transmission.
Helochara delta
Helochara delta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Oman in 1943. It belongs to the subfamily Cicadellinae, a group commonly known as sharpshooters. The species has been recorded from western North America, with observations in British Columbia, Washington, and California. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with vascular plant hosts, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Helochara forceps
Helochara forceps is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1986. It belongs to the genus Helochara within the tribe Cicadellini. The species epithet "forceps" likely refers to some morphological feature of the male genitalia, a common naming convention in leafhopper taxonomy. It is one of relatively few described species in this genus, which is part of the diverse leafhopper fauna of North America.
Homalodisca elongata
Homalodisca elongata is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Proconiini. It was described by Ball in 1936. The species belongs to a genus containing several economically important vectors of plant pathogens, including the glassy-winged sharpshooter (H. vitripennis), though H. elongata itself has received limited specific study. Like other proconiine sharpshooters, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant xylem.
Homalodisca ichthyocephala
Homalodisca ichthyocephala is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Proconiini, first described by Signoret in 1854. The species has been documented exhibiting thanatosis (death-feigning), representing the first comprehensive report of this antipredator behavior in the family Cicadellidae. Research from Zirándaro, Guerrero, Mexico identified five sequential phases of thanatosis: mechanical disturbance, catatonic, myoclonic, motor recovery, and escape. Females demonstrate significantly longer motor recovery phases than males. The species belongs to a genus containing important vectors of plant pathogens, including Xylella fastidiosa.
Homalodisca insolita
johnsongrass sharpshooter
Homalodisca insolita, commonly known as the johnsongrass sharpshooter, is a proconiine sharpshooter in the family Cicadellidae. It is native to southern North America and has been documented spreading northward into the southeastern United States. The species is a known vector of Xylella fastidiosa, a xylem-limited bacterium that causes Pierce's disease in grapevines and other plant diseases. Its eggs serve as hosts for egg parasitoids including Paracentrobia americana (Trichogrammatidae).
Homalodisca liturata
smoketree sharpshooter, lacertate sharpshooter
Homalodisca liturata, commonly known as the smoketree sharpshooter or lacertate sharpshooter, is a relatively large leafhopper species native to North America, measuring approximately 13 mm in length. The species exhibits strong host-plant associations, with documented preference for desert smoketree (Psorothamnus spinosus) where available, though it utilizes multiple host species. H. liturata is a known vector of Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterial pathogen causing Pierce's disease in grapevines and other plant diseases. Both sexes produce acoustic signals, a notable behavioral trait among sharpshooters. The species has been documented harboring phytoplasma bacteria related to 'Candidatus Phytoplasma hispanicum' in its salivary glands, suggesting potential involvement in transmitting yellows-type diseases.
Homalodisca vitripennis
Glassy-winged Sharpshooter
Homalodisca vitripennis, commonly known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter, is a large leafhopper native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It has become a major invasive pest in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands, where it vectors Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease of grapevine—a lethal condition for vineyards. The species exhibits complex vibrational communication during mating, with males and females engaging in duets using species-specific signals. Populations in California's Central Valley have developed significant resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides, particularly imidacloprid, creating challenges for chemical management. Classical biological control using egg parasitoids from the genus Gonatocerus (family Mymaridae) has proven effective, with parasitism rates reaching 80-100% in some areas.
Oncometopia
sharpshooters
Oncometopia is a genus of sharpshooters (leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae) found in North and South America, erected by Carl Stål in 1869. Species range from 9.4 to 15.0 mm in length and are characterized by distinctive morphological features including a moderately produced head, coriaceous forewings with apical membranes, and specialized hindleg tarsomere proportions. Several species are economically important as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases such as phony peach disease and citrus variegated chlorosis.
Oncometopia alpha
Oncometopia alpha is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Fowler in 1899. It belongs to the tribe Proconiini, a group known for their powerful jumping ability and xylem-feeding habits. The species has been recorded from multiple U.S. states including Florida, Georgia, Arizona, and Massachusetts, as well as from Durango, Mexico, suggesting a broad but patchy distribution across North America.
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 nigricans
Black-winged Sharpshooter
Oncometopia nigricans, commonly known as the Black-winged Sharpshooter, is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Proconiini. It is a suspected vector of lethal yellowing disease of coconut palms, a devastating phytoplasma disease affecting coconut production. The species has been documented in Florida and Brazil (Bahia), with studies focusing on its molting patterns and longevity across various host plants.
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.
Paraulacizes
sharpshooters
Paraulacizes is a genus of sharpshooters (leafhoppers) in the family Cicadellidae, established by Young in 1968. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species in this genus are relatively large, robust leafhoppers with distinctive coloration patterns. Paraulacizes irrorata, the speckled sharpshooter, is among the most recognizable and well-studied species, serving as a representative for understanding the biology of this genus.
Paraulacizes irrorata
speckled sharpshooter
A large and distinctive North American sharpshooter leafhopper, readily recognizable by its size and speckled pattern. Adults feed on phloem of grasses and are active from early spring through summer. Eggs are laid in woody twigs, stems, or petioles, where they are vulnerable to parasitism by the egg parasitoid *Gonatocerus fasciatus*.
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.
Sibovia
Sibovia is a genus of sharpshooter leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, established by China in 1927. The genus contains at least 30 described species. Sharpshooters are known for their ability to shoot droplets of liquid waste from their anal opening, a behavior that gives the group its common name. As members of the tribe Cicadellini, species in this genus are part of a diverse lineage of xylem-feeding insects.
Tylozygus
Tylozygus is a genus of sharpshooters in the family Cicadellidae, established by Fieber in 1866. The genus comprises approximately six described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Members of this genus are leafhoppers that feed on plant vascular fluids. The genus is placed in the tribe Cicadellini within the subfamily Cicadellinae.
Xyphon flaviceps
Yellow-headed Leafhopper
Xyphon flaviceps, commonly known as the yellow-headed leafhopper, is a species of sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. The species was described by Riley in 1880. It is classified within the tribe Cicadellini, a diverse group of leafhoppers characterized by their jumping ability and xylem-feeding habits. The common name refers to a distinctive yellow coloration on the head.