Two-spotted Leafhopper
Sophonia orientalis
This record describes Sophonia orientalis (species). Recorded family: Cicadellidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults are yellow with a brown stripe down the center of the back and two prominent eye spots on the tail end; its real eyes being concolorous with the body, the bug seems to be moving backwards when walking. (Jones et al.) earliest NA record: CA 1996 ; in Hawaii, considered a threat to all native plants (Aguin-Pombo et al. 2007) First reported from Florida in 2007.
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
- Evacanthinae
- Tribe
- Nirvanini
- Genus
- Sophonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Asia, adventive in NA (VA‒FL‒TX, CA) ‒ map ( Dietrich 2011 )
Seasonal Activity
adults and nymphs present most of the year (Aguin-Pombo et al. 2007)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: polyphagous, attacks >300 plant species in 83 families (Fukada 1996); resident breeding populations recently discovered in ornamental, vegetable, and fruit crops in CA (Duan & Messing)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sophonia orientalis (Matsumura 1912)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Sophonia orientalis. 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 Two-spotted Leafhopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Graham M , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Two-spotted Leafhopper
What is Two-spotted Leafhopper?
Two-spotted Leafhopper (Sophonia orientalis) is a species in the family Cicadellidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Two-spotted Leafhopper?
Adults are yellow with a brown stripe down the center of the back and two prominent eye spots on the tail end; its real eyes being concolorous with the body, the bug seems to be moving backwards when walking. (Jones et al.)
Where is Two-spotted Leafhopper found?
Range: native to Asia, adventive in NA (VA‒FL‒TX, CA) ‒ map ( Dietrich 2011 )
What does Two-spotted Leafhopper eat?
The diet of the Two-spotted Leafhopper includes polyphagous, attacks >300 plant species in 83 families (Fukada 1996); resident breeding populations recently discovered in ornamental, vegetable, and fruit crops in CA (Duan & Messing).
When is Two-spotted Leafhopper active?
Two-spotted Leafhopper: seasonal activity - adults and nymphs present most of the year (Aguin-Pombo et al. 2007).