Xylella-fastidiosa
Guides
Aphrophoridae
True Spittlebugs, Spittlebugs, Froghoppers
Aphrophoridae is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as spittlebugs or froghoppers. The family contains at least 160 genera and 990 described species. Nymphs are called spittlebugs and produce characteristic frothy masses for protection, while adults are referred to as froghoppers. Many species are xylem sap feeders and some serve as vectors for plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases including olive quick decline syndrome.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Neophilaenus
spittlebugs
Neophilaenus is a genus of spittlebugs (family Aphrophoridae) containing approximately 10 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Nymphs are known for producing characteristic foam masses ("cuckoo spit") that provide protection and moisture retention during development. Several species, particularly N. campestris and N. lineatus, have been extensively studied due to their role as vectors of the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, which threatens Mediterranean agriculture including olive, almond, and grapevine crops. The genus exhibits temperature-dependent phenology, with development rates and adult emergence timing varying predictably with altitude and latitude.
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.
Philaenus
meadow spittlebug, spittlebug, froghopper
Philaenus is a genus of spittlebugs in the family Aphrophoridae containing eight described species. The genus is best known for Philaenus spumarius (meadow spittlebug), a widespread insect in the Northern Hemisphere and the primary vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe. Most species exhibit striking color polymorphism with up to sixteen distinct phenotypes including dark, pale, mottled, and striped patterns. Nymphs produce protective foam masses from excreted xylem fluid and glandular secretions. The genus has been extensively studied for genetic diversity, climate change responses, and vector ecology.
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.