Graphocephala coccinea

The redbanded leafhopper or sharpshooter may also be commonly referred to as the rhododendron leafhopper, as it is likely to be found associated with rhododendron. However, there is a similar species in the same genus (G. fennahi) that feeds exclusively on rhododendron. Candy-striped leafhopper is another common name for G. coccinea. In addition to the host plants listed above, at least 50 other plant species have been reported as hosts for this insect in the literature. The redbanded leafhopper is a brilliantly colored insect, found active throughout much of the growing season. Adults possess bright red and blue (or green) markings on the wings and thorax. The head, underside of the abdomen, and the legs are bright yellow in color. Adults may be 1/4 to 5/16 of an inch in length. Eggs are laid by the females in the mesophyll of their host plants. Eggs are oval in shape and flattened, and may be visible with magnification through the swollen plant tissues into which they have been inserted. Nymphs feed on the underside of host plant leaves. In these areas, their shed or cast skins (exoskeletons) may adhere and be detected as clues to the presence of this insect on host plants. Fully grown nymphs (immatures) are 8 mm. long, creamy white in color, and capable of jumping impressively. Two generations of this species are known per year, with redbanded leafhoppers found in Pennsylvania in late April and again in mid-July. The timing of the life cycle may be different in more northern parts of this insect's range. Adults are present from mid-June through October or until the first killing frost.