Yellowfaced Leafhopper
Scaphytopius frontalis
This record describes Scaphytopius frontalis (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Vertex and thorax pale yellow, heavily marked with deep fuscous-brown so as to appear largely dark; forewing ochreous, closely irrorated with deep fuscous-brown so as to appear largely that color, with diagonal whitish areas in the costal region, and small, rounded, whitish areas in the cells. darkest species in this genus
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
Habitat
common in weedy areas --Andy Hamilton
Geographic Range
mostly e. US, plus scattered w. US records - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-Oct (BG data)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Scaphytopius frontalis. 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 Yellowfaced Leafhopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellowfaced Leafhopper
What is Yellowfaced Leafhopper?
Yellowfaced Leafhopper (Scaphytopius frontalis) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Yellowfaced Leafhopper?
3.5-4.5 mm
How do you identify Yellowfaced Leafhopper?
Vertex and thorax pale yellow, heavily marked with deep fuscous-brown so as to appear largely dark; forewing ochreous, closely irrorated with deep fuscous-brown so as to appear largely that color, with diagonal whitish areas in the costal region, and small, rounded, whitish areas in the cells.
Where is Yellowfaced Leafhopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common in weedy areas --Andy Hamilton |
| Range | mostly e. US, plus scattered w. US records - Map |
When is Yellowfaced Leafhopper active?
Yellowfaced Leafhopper: seasonal activity - mostly May-Oct (BG data).