Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 293

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.