Rhododendron Leafhopper

The Rhododendron leafhopper is a small insect with 4 orange stripes on its elytrons. It undergoes incomplete metamorphosis and is active during the day. Males are 7.4-8.8 mm long and females are 8.2-9 mm long. They are part of the “True bugs” group and are closely related to aphids and psyllids. The species is found in the mountains of southern Virginia, western Carolinas, and northern Georgia, and is typically found in grassy lands and mixed hardwood forests, especially in areas with rhododendron. They are an important food source for ladybugs, spiders, and parasitic wasps, but are afraid of the Harlequin Ladybird. The Rhododendron leafhopper emerges in late spring and dies in November.

Description

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They are small as 8–10 mm and have 4 orange stripes down their elytrons. Their metamorphosis are incomplete, and those creatures are diurnal. Forewing colors are ranged from red to blue. Males are 7.4-8.8 mm long, and females are 8.2–9 mm long. They belong to the group “True bugs”, very closely related to aphids and psyllids

Distribution

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It a species native to the mountains of southern Virginia, the western Carolinas, and northern Georgia.

Habitats

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They are recorded in grassy lands, as well as in mixed hardwood forests, usually found in rhododendron areas.

Contribution

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Rhododendron leafhoppers are usually vital food for ladybugs, spiders, and some parasitic wasps. They are afraid of Harmonia axyridis, the Harlequin Ladybird.

Seasonal occurrence

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The Rhododendron leafhopper emerges from late spring and dies in November (timeline includes: May, June, July, August, September, October and November).

== Notes ==