Gray Lawn Leafhopper
Exitianus exitiosus
This record describes Exitianus exitiosus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dirty yellow to brown body. Two black spots on top front of head, front of pronotum, and front and rear scutellum. Wings are clear to white with brown veins and usually extend slightly past the abdomen. Det. Ken Childs, 2018
Wikipedia reference for Exitianus exitiosus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exitianus_exitiosus.
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
- Deltocephalinae
- Tribe
- Chiasmini
- Genus
- Exitianus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
associated with lawns/turfgrasses ( 4 )
Geographic Range
mostly s. 2/3 of US, +PNW / n. Mex. - Map , but see: Species page
Seasonal Activity
yr round, but most common Jun-Oct.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: raised in the laboratory on grass species including green foxtail grass, wheat, and barley. On hard red spring wheat development took 55 days for males (egg to adult) and 60 days for females. (Gustin and Stoner 1973)
Life History
A common "tramp" species ... it breeds on any available grass, then flies off to find whatever is available, always choosing the most succulent growth. (Andy Hamilton, 24.i.2005)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Exitianus exitiosus (Uhler 1880)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Exitianus exitiosus. 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 Gray Lawn Leafhopper (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Richard Leung; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Gray Lawn Leafhopper
What is Gray Lawn Leafhopper?
Gray Lawn Leafhopper (Exitianus exitiosus) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Gray Lawn Leafhopper?
Dirty yellow to brown body. Two black spots on top front of head, front of pronotum, and front and rear scutellum. Wings are clear to white with brown veins and usually extend slightly past the abdomen. Det. Ken Childs, 2018
Where is Gray Lawn Leafhopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | associated with lawns/turfgrasses ( 4 ) |
| Range | mostly s. 2/3 of US, +PNW / n. Mex. - Map , but see: Species page |
What does Gray Lawn Leafhopper eat?
The diet of the Gray Lawn Leafhopper includes raised in the laboratory on grass species including green foxtail grass, wheat, and barley. On hard red spring wheat development took 55 days for males (egg to adult) and 60 days for females. (Gustin and Stoner 1973).
When is Gray Lawn Leafhopper active?
Gray Lawn Leafhopper: seasonal activity - yr round, but most common Jun-Oct..
What is the life cycle of a Gray Lawn Leafhopper?
A common tramp species ... it breeds on any available grass, then flies off to find whatever is available, always choosing the most succulent growth. (Andy Hamilton, 24.i.2005)