
Community identification
Broad-headed Sharpshooter
Oncometopia orbona
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cicadellidae
- Size
- 10 - 13 mm (0.4 - 0.5 inches)
Natural Habitat
Found in meadows, gardens, and forests throughout the eastern and southeastern United States.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on xylem sap from various woody and herbaceous plants.
Behavior Patterns
Active during the day; they are known for their ability to jump quickly when disturbed. Females often coat their eggs with a chalky white substance called brochosomes for protection.
Risks & Benefits
While not directly harmful to humans, they can be agricultural pests as they are vectors for Pierce's disease, which affects grapevines and other fruit plants.