Sharp-nosed Leafhopper
Scaphytopius acutus
This record describes Scaphytopius acutus (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is the common brown, pointed-headed leafhopper with a contrastingly yellow face (ventrally). Vector of Soybean bud proliferation and Western X-disease phytoplasma ( 3 )
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
- Scaphytopiini
- Genus
- Scaphytopius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Common in e. NA w/ scattered w. records - Map (Musgrave 1975)
Seasonal Activity
Two generations a year in NY with peak populations of adults in Jul-Sep (Palmiter et al. 1960)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scaphytopius (Cloanthanus) acutus (Say 1830)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Scaphytopius acutus. 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 Sharp-nosed Leafhopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn | Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sharp-nosed Leafhopper
What is Sharp-nosed Leafhopper?
Sharp-nosed Leafhopper (Scaphytopius acutus) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Sharp-nosed Leafhopper?
This is the common brown, pointed-headed leafhopper with a contrastingly yellow face (ventrally).
Where is Sharp-nosed Leafhopper found?
Range: Common in e. NA w/ scattered w. records - Map (Musgrave 1975)
When is Sharp-nosed Leafhopper active?
Sharp-nosed Leafhopper: seasonal activity - Two generations a year in NY with peak populations of adults in Jul-Sep (Palmiter et al. 1960).