Glassy-winged sharpshooter

Glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis) is a large leafhopper species from the family Cicadellidae. It is native to the southeastern United States, but has spread to other parts of the country and beyond. The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a significant pest in agriculture, particularly in vineyards, as it is a vector for the plant disease Pierce's disease, which is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa.

Description

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a relatively large leafhopper, with adults reaching up to 0.5 inches in length. It is named for its transparent wings, which are held roof-like over the body. The body color varies from dark brown to black, with yellow spots on the head and thorax.

Distribution and habitat

Originally from the southeastern United States, the glassy-winged sharpshooter has spread to California, Hawaii, French Polynesia, and the Middle East. It inhabits a wide range of habitats, including forests, agricultural lands, and urban areas.

Life cycle

The life cycle of the glassy-winged sharpshooter includes egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females lay eggs in the tissues of host plants, and the emerging nymphs feed on the plant sap. The nymphs undergo five instars before reaching adulthood.

Impact on agriculture

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a major pest in vineyards, as it can transmit Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium that causes Pierce's disease. This disease can kill grapevines and has no known cure. The sharpshooter can also affect other crops, including almonds, citrus, and stone fruits.

Control methods

Control methods for the glassy-winged sharpshooter include biological control, with predators and parasitoids, and chemical control, with insecticides. Cultural control methods, such as sanitation and the removal of host plants, are also used.

See also

• Pierce's disease
• Xylella fastidiosa
• Leafhopper
• Cicadellidae