INSECTS

HEMIPTERA / LEAFHOPPERS

Leafhoppers, sometimes referred to as 'Hoppers', are tiny insects that suck sap from plants. Generally thinner and smaller than Froghoppers, they also have a row of prominent, regular spines on the rear tibiae.

Eupteryx urticae  is a spectacular leafhopper measuring 3mm in length usually encountered on nettles from May to November.

Eared Leafhopper  Ledra aurita is well camouflaged when flat against bark on a lichen-covered tree where it becomes hard to see. This is the nymph stage of a large grey leafhopper which is the only Ledrinae species found in Europe.

This Leafhopper (about 5mm) belongs to a very tough genus to identify particularly outside the field season when it is difficult to establish host associations. Most inhabit poplar or willow, however this one was found on hornbeam. Hard to identify confidently, but possibly Tremulicerus vitreus.

Allygus mixtus (6-7mm) is widespread throughout much of Britain on deciduous trees especially oaks from June until October. Its nymphs feed on grasses.

The pea-green Tamarisk Leafhopper Opsius stactogalus (4-5mm) is associated with the plant Tamarisk. Adults are normally seen from August until November.

Lindbergina aurovittata (3-4mm) is an attractive yellow and white Leafhopper that is found on oak trees and brambles from August to November.

Macropsis scotti (5mm) has wing veins that are dark brown. It is part a large and complex group of species that are often difficult to identify. This species is seen from feeding on brambles from May until October.

Iassus lanio is a large  (6.5-8mm) broad Leafhopper with forewings that vary in colour from green to light-brown. The vertex, pronotum and scutellum are heavily dark-mottled. This common species lives on Oak trees and is seen from June until October.

Adarrus ocellaris, formerly known Errastunus ocellaris, is a common species with a preference for grassland habitats. This tiny distinctive species (3-4mm) is seen from May until October.