Unidentified Leaf Hopper - black and yellow abdomen

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks.

I've assumed it's a Leaf Hopper because of the spiny back legs - is my thinking correct?

Help with identification appreciated.



Bruce

[tristanba]

Hi there Bruce,

This is a leafhopper - and one in the genus Idiocerus, often a very difficult group to identify; almost all feed on Willow and Poplar so hostplant is often not very helpful. However, this is one of the more distinctive species, I. stigmaticalis, which is common on willow. The best distinguishing feature for this species is the rough alignment of the bases of the cells at the wing tip; this is shared by no other. Your picture shows a female, since males have antennal palettes (thickening at the ends of the antennae).

I would post some pertinent links but they would doubtless be censored for spamming

Needless to say, run it through a well known search engine. The account on BB is very old and needs updating.

Hope this is helpful
Cheers
Tristan

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your help Tristan. I did as you suggested and found several web images and info on identification. It is definitely a female I. stigmaticalis for all the reasons you gave.

Bruce