Scaphoideus titanus

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Scaphoideus titanus

Scaphoideus titanus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. It is commonly known as the grapevine leafhopper due to its preference for feeding on grapevines. This insect is native to North America and is considered a significant pest in vineyards.

Description

Adult Scaphoideus titanus are small insects, typically measuring around 5 millimeters in length. They have a distinctive greenish-yellow coloration with dark markings on their wings. The nymphs of this species are smaller and lack wings.

Distribution

Scaphoideus titanus is primarily found in North America, where it is known to infest grapevines in vineyards. It has also been reported in parts of Europe, where it has become established in vineyard regions.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Scaphoideus titanus typically involves multiple generations per year. The adults lay eggs on the underside of grapevine leaves, and the nymphs hatch and feed on the plant sap. As they mature, the nymphs molt several times before reaching adulthood.

Damage

Scaphoideus titanus is a significant pest of grapevines, as it feeds on the plant sap and can transmit phytoplasmas that cause diseases such as grapevine yellows. Infestations of this leafhopper can lead to reduced vine health, decreased grape quality, and lower yields.

Management

Effective management of Scaphoideus titanus typically involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. These may include the use of insecticides, habitat modification, and the promotion of natural predators to help control populations of this pest.

References

• Leafhopper
• Grapevine yellows