Black-faced Leafhopper
Graminella nigrifrons
This record describes Graminella nigrifrons (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The pattern of black spots along the head edge and the dark-marked face are characteristic of this species. agricultural pest, vector of plant viruses Diseases Transmitted ( 3 ) Maize chlorotic dwarf virus Waikavirus Maize bushy stunt phytoplasma 16SrI-B
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
- Deltocephalini
- Genus
- Graminella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to NM, Calif. / W. Indies - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-Nov
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Corn
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Graminella nigrifrons. 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 Black-faced Leafhopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by anitagould , Mike Quinn , Graham M , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Black-faced Leafhopper
What is Black-faced Leafhopper?
Black-faced Leafhopper (Graminella nigrifrons) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Black-faced Leafhopper?
3-4 mm
How do you identify Black-faced Leafhopper?
The pattern of black spots along the head edge and the dark-marked face are characteristic of this species.
Where is Black-faced Leafhopper found?
Range: e. NA to NM, Calif. / W. Indies - Map
What does Black-faced Leafhopper eat?
The diet of the Black-faced Leafhopper includes Corn.
When is Black-faced Leafhopper active?
Black-faced Leafhopper: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-Nov.