Empoasca vitis
This record describes Empoasca vitis (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3.0 to 4 mm. A small, slender green leafhopper, with hyaline (clear and transparent) stripes in forewing. There are whitish marks on the vertex and pronotum. Empoasca decipens lacks the hyaline stripes on forewings. There are several other related genera with green hoppers which can be separated by wing venation and vertex shape Good quality photographs from side and top down - the hyaline stripes can be difficult to see in certain lights so make sure your photo shows them Usually found on deciduous trees in summer and evergreens in winter. Common (ref: UK Auchenorrhyncha checklist 2021 ) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/homoptera/Cicadellidae/Empoasca_vitis.html
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Cicadellidae
- Genus
- Empoasca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found on deciduous trees in summer and evergreens in winter.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common (ref:
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Empoasca vitis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Empoasca vitis (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empoasca vitis
What is Empoasca vitis?
Empoasca vitis is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Empoasca vitis?
3.0 to 4 mm. A small, slender green leafhopper, with hyaline (clear and transparent) stripes in forewing. There are whitish marks on the vertex and pronotum.
Where is Empoasca vitis found?
Habitat: Usually found on deciduous trees in summer and evergreens in winter.
When is Empoasca vitis active?
Empoasca vitis: seasonal activity - Adult: All year..