Smoketree Sharpshooter
Homalodisca liturata
This record describes Homalodisca liturata (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The dull red patch on the wing distinguishes this sp. from H. vitripennis , as does the pattern of white stripes or lines on the head (vs speckles/spots in vitripennis )
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
- Cicadellinae
- Tribe
- Proconiini
- Genus
- Homalodisca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw.US (CA‒AZ) to Costa Rica
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Homalodisca liturata Ball 1901
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Homalodisca liturata. 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 Smoketree Sharpshooter (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov , Harsi S. Parker , James Bailey
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoketree Sharpshooter
What is Smoketree Sharpshooter?
Smoketree Sharpshooter (Homalodisca liturata) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Smoketree Sharpshooter?
The dull red patch on the wing distinguishes this sp. from H. vitripennis , as does the pattern of white stripes or lines on the head (vs speckles/spots in vitripennis )
Where is Smoketree Sharpshooter found?
Range: sw.US (CA‒AZ) to Costa Rica