Western Grape Leafhopper
Erythroneura elegantula
This record describes Erythroneura elegantula (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
When a share parasitoid, Anagrus epos is introduced as a control, the invading leafhopper species, Erythroneura variabilis replaces the native E. elegantula .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Cicadellidae (Typical Leafhoppers)
- Subfamily
- Typhlocybinae
- Tribe
- Erythroneurini
- Genus
- Erythroneura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. NA (BC-CA-AZ); introduced to Panama
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Vitis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Erythroneura elegantula Osborn 1928
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Erythroneura elegantula. 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 Western Grape Leafhopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Grape Leafhopper
What is Western Grape Leafhopper?
Western Grape Leafhopper (Erythroneura elegantula) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Western Grape Leafhopper?
2.8–3 mm
Where is Western Grape Leafhopper found?
Range: w. NA (BC-CA-AZ); introduced to Panama
What does Western Grape Leafhopper eat?
The diet of the Western Grape Leafhopper includes hosts: Vitis.