Sharpshooter

Natural Habitat

Orchards, vineyards, wooded areas, and residential gardens

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they feed on plant xylem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts

Behavior Patterns

Active flyers known for their ability to jump. They are often found on the stems of woody plants and are notable for 'raining' droplets of excess fluid (honeydew) while feeding.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural pest; they are vectors for the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Pierce's disease in grapes and other plant diseases.

Identified on: 4/2/2026