Graphocephala coccinea is a meadow and woodland-dwelling species of brightly colored leafhopper native to North and Central America, from Canada south to Panama. Common names include candy-striped leafhopper, red-banded leafhopper, scarlet-and-green leafhopper and red-and-blue leafhopper.
Adults measure 6.7–8.4 mm in length and have vivid blue (or green) and red (or orange-red) stripes on their wings and the top of their thorax combined with bright yellow coloration on their head, legs, abdomen, and elsewhere.
Leafhoppers feed on plant sap with the aid of specialized mouthparts.

G. coccinea has been identified as one of several leafhopper species that is a vector in leaf scorch caused by the gammaproteobacteria Xylella fastidiosa ("Pierce's disease"). X. fastidiosa is responsible for the decline of certain woody plants such as elm, oak, and other ornamental trees. According to a research entomologist at the United States National Arboretum, "An understanding of the transmission of this bacterium by insect vectors is economically important because there is neither any known effective therapy for infected trees and shrubs nor a strategy for preventing infection."

Pierce's disease

Graphocephala coccinea, commonly known as the red-banded leafhopper, is considered a garden pest because it feeds on the sap of various plants, causing damage to leaves and potentially transmitting plant diseases, making them a nuisance for gardeners and damaging the overall health of garden plants.

garden pest

Graphocephala coccinea, or the red-banded leafhopper, is considered a crop pest because it feeds on the sap of various crops, such as grapes and potatoes, causing damage to the plants and potentially reducing crop yields.

crop pest

Graphocephala coccinea, or the red-banded leafhopper, is considered a pest because it feeds on the sap of various plants, including garden plants and crops, causing damage to leaves and potentially transmitting plant diseases, which can result in reduced plant health and crop yields.

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What does red-banded leafhopper eat?

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