Pest of the Month February 2008 – Glassy-winged Sharpshooter

  • Distribution:  Leeward Oahu
  • Hosts:  monkeypod, java plum, haole koa, Plumeria, mountain apple, African tulip, lime, pummelo, kou, bottlebrush, Caribbean trumpet, hibiscus, gardenia, papaya, green/red ti, croton, crown flower, and oleander
  • Damage: Can withdraw plant fluid 100-300 times its weight per day.  Releases tiny droplets as it does so, creating “leafhopper rain”. May leave a white residue on any plant or item that has been “rained” upon.  Feeding during drought conditions may weaken the plant.
  • Status as of FY2006:  Biologically controlled by a mymarid parasitic wasp

Reference: Hawaii Department of Agriculture New Pest Advisory No. 04-02

Glassy-winged sharpshooter. Photo source: University of California, Riverside