Hoppers of North Carolina:
Spittlebugs, Leafhoppers, Treehoppers, and Planthoppers
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CICADELLIDAE Members: NC Records

Eupteryx decemnotata - Ligurian Leafhopper


© Kyle Kittelberger- note wing pattern and
coloration
© Kyle Kittelberger- note head spots
Taxonomy
Family: CICADELLIDAESubfamily: Typhlocybinae
Identification
Online Photographs: BugGuide                                                                                  
Description: A fairly distinctively marked species. Wings are yellowish green with characteristic darker polygon-shaped marks scaattered; the apical wing veins are yellow, bordered with dark brown. The scutellum is yellowish, sometimes with two black spots in the middle. The head has a characteristic even number of bold black spots. Usually there are 5 pairs of dots, with four dots along the midline of the vertex, two black marks along the margin of the vertex, and 4 dots in a row across the face; however, spots are sometimes fused together. Adults are between 2 and 3 mm long. (Rung, 2009)

For more images of this species, see: 1, 2, 3.

Distribution in North Carolina
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Distribution: Found throughout Europe; introduced in North America where it is slowly expanding. Most records are from California where it was first detected in 2008; has also been found in New Mexico. This species is relatively scarce in the eastern United States without any clear established populations; has been intercepted in Florida in 2009 and Pennsylvania in 2015, and the single North Carolina record from 2013.
Abundance: A single record from the Piedmont; unclear what the status of this species in the state is and whether there are any established populations.
Seasonal Occurrence
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Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Has been found in mixed hardwood forest, but likely found anywhere herbs and ornamentals occur in high number.
Plant Associates: A variety of herbs and ornamentals in the Lamiaceae family: rosemary, sage, majoram, catnip, oregano, lemon balm, peppermint, basil, thyme, etc. (Rung, 2009)
Behavior: Can be attracted at night with a light.
Comment: NOTE: This species is similar to E. melissae, the Sage Leafhopper, another introduced Eupteryx that has been recorded from both sides of the continent. The two can best be distinguished by the markings on the head. In decemnotata, there is an even number of spots, usually 5 pairs but sometimes spots are fused together. In melissae, there is an odd number of spots, usually 5 or 7 spots total with three prominent ones on top of the head. See here for more information and images on how to distinguish the two species: Rung, 2009.

In terms of damage, this species is a mesophyll feeder, puncturing plant cells and causing stippling to leaves. If the density of E. decemnotata becomes too high, significant damage to plants can occur. E. decemnotata can therefore be a major pest species. (Rung, 2009)

Status: Introduced

Species Photo Gallery for Eupteryx decemnotata Ligurian Leafhopper

Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger
Wake Co.
Comment: mixed hardwood forest habitat		Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger
Wake Co.
Comment: mixed hardwood forest habitat