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A rhododendron leafhopper resting on a rhododendron leaf. It's a thin green bug with orange-red markings

Rhododendron leafhopper (c) Tom Hibbert

Rhododendron Leafhopper

Rhododendron Leafhopper ©Mark E. Talbot

Rhododendron leafhopper

An introduced species, the rhododendron leafhopper is a striking mix of green and red, with a black stripe across its face. It can be found feeding on rhododendrons (also introduced) in Southern England.

Scientific name

Graphocephala fennahi

When to see

June to October

Species information

Category

Statistics

Length: up to 1cm
Introduced species.

About

The rhododendron leafhopper is a colourful bug that, as is name suggests, can be found on rhododendron bushes in the south of the country. It is one of very few insects to feed on rhododendrons (both the adults and larvae feed on the sap), flourishing wherever bushes are present. However, they are known for spreading a fungal disease in these plants, often stopping them from flowering. In late summer, the adults lay their eggs in the buds of the rhododendron, which hatch the following spring.

How to identify

The rhododendron leafhopper is a beautiful green-and-red leafhopper, with a black stripe through the eyes and across the face.

Distribution

Found in Southern England.

Did you know?

The rhododendron leafhopper was introduced into Europe from North America (where it is known as the 'scarlet andgreen leafhopper') in the 1900s.