Cicadellidae (leafhoppers)

Tracy Conklin and Russell F. Mizell, III

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a large leafhopper species native to the southeastern United States. It is one of the main vectors of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, a plant pathogen that causes a variety of plant diseases, including phony peach disease of peach and Pierce's disease of grape.

Alexander Tasi and Andrea Lucky

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Chris Tipping and Russell F. Mizell III

Hugh A. Smith, Yisell Velazquez-Hernandez, andAlexandra M. Revynthi

Amrasca biguttula, Ishida (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper, became established in Florida in 2024 where it causes significant damage to a range of ornamental and horticultural crops. It is a major pest of okra (Abelmoschus esculentum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and various types of hibiscus (Hibiscus spp. L.). It is also a major pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Asia and poses a threat to cotton production in Florida and the southeast USA. Regulatory restrictions have been imposed on the shipment of leafhopper hosts from Florida to other states because of this threat. Therefore, the pest poses a significant regulatory burden to the state in addition to damage presently inflicted on production of ornamental and vegetable crops, and the threat to cotton grown in the state’s Panhandle.

Brian Bahder, Brittany M. Mason, and Corey T. Callaghan

The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance and tips on observing hoppers, a group of insects including leafhoppers, planthoppers, and treehoppers. Further, it explains how to leverage iNaturalist to document your observations of the natural world and thereby contribute to science. The intended audience is anyone who is interested in the natural world and wants to learn more about observing and identifying hoppers and contributing to science by adding observations to iNaturalist.