whitebanded elm leafhopper

Adı : whitebanded elm leafhopper

Bilimsel Adı : Scaphoideus luteolus Van Duzee

Whitebanded elm leafhopper (Scaphoideus luteolus Van Duzee), which is also known as elm leafhopper or sixspotted leafhopper, is a species of insect that belongs to the family Cicadellidae. This species is found in North America, specifically in the eastern part of the United States and Canada.
Whitebanded elm leafhoppers are small insects, measuring about 4-5 mm in length, with a white or yellowish-white band across their wings. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts, which they use to feed on the sap of elm trees. These insects are known to be efficient vectors of the bacterial plant pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, which can cause severe damage to the trees they infest.
Adult whitebanded elm leafhoppers emerge in late spring and begin feeding on elm trees, causing characteristic damage to the leaves. The damage is characterized by yellowing, crinkling, and curling of the leaves, as well as the appearance of tiny black spots on the leaves. The insects also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other insects and fungi that can further damage the tree.
Whitebanded elm leafhoppers can cause significant damage to elm trees, resulting in stunted growth, reduced vigor, and even death of the tree. Therefore, it is essential to control their populations to prevent the spread of the bacterial pathogens they transmit. Control measures include the use of insecticides, cultural practices such as pruning and removing infected branches, and planting of resistant elm varieties.
In summary, whitebanded elm leafhopper is a small insect that feeds on the sap of elm trees and can transmit bacterial pathogens that can cause severe damage to the trees. Control measures are essential to prevent the spread of these bacterial pathogens and save the infected trees.