Leafhoppers, Treehoppers & Spittlebugs
What are they?
These insects are all plant feeders and generally suck the sap of the host plant. Some species are found singly while others may occur colonially; a number of species are specific to particular species of plants, while some are considered to be pests of gardens and agricultural crops. The three groups covered here are quite closely related, being placed with the cicadas in the Cicadoidea. Treehoppers form the family Membracidae, with most species resembling thorns or similar outgrowths from plant stems. Leafhoppers form part of the large family Cicadellidae, with most being rather slender and relatively long-bodied. Spittlebugs form the family Cercopidae and tend to be short-bodied than leafhoppers. They get their name from the habit of the soft-bodied nymphs, which excrete a foamy, protective layer within which they feed, and which resembles a blog of spittle. Most of these species are good fliers and often come to light at night, while many of them are accomplished jumpers and will often 'ping' off and lose themselves in dense vegetation if approached closely. Most species overwinter as eggs with adults being most abundant in July and August.
Identification
Identification to species can be most difficult in the leafhoppers as they form a large and very variable group. Most of the species covered here can be identified by overall color and the markings on the wings.
Treehopper Entylia carinata
A common and widespread species, most often found feeding on herbaceous members of the Aster family (Asteraceae). Adults are occasionally found tending clusters of nymphs on the undersides of leaves.
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Two-lined Spittlebug Prosapia bicincta
A common species, the nymphs feed on grasses while the adults feed on the sap from holly leaves. Adults are usually black with two orange, yellow or red lines across the wings.
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Xestocephalus lunatus
Very small, spotted leafhoppers that are not often seen unless they come to light at night. There are several similar species, best told from each other by the pale lines on the back.
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Leafhopper Gyponana octolineata
A common species that often comes to light during late summer. Individuals are green, washed with rose pink, with females tending to have more extensive pink than males. Feeds on pines.
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Saddled Leafhopper Colladonus clitellarius
An attractive, eye-catching species which often comes to light on summer nights. Colors vary from blackish purple to paler shades of brownish orange, with yellow or creamy markings, but the pattern remains constant.
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Speckled Sharpshooter Paraulacizes irrorata
A common species that can sometimes be plentiful in fall in wooded areas. Unlike other leafhoppers, sharpshooters overwinter as adults and lay eggs in the spring.
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