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Eupteryx aurata Potato Leafhopper
Family: Cicadellidae

A familiar and common species in low vegetation, especially nettles and brambles. The typical form is distinctive, with strong dark markings and a pale 'hour-glass' on the top of the forewings; however, the markings can be reduced to little more than a few black spots on the wings (below left).

The pronotum always bears two large black spots, and sometimes also two small spots at the front middle. The spots on the vertex are large, and often reach the top of the face and the rear margin. The overall colour is often tinged orange.

The only species easily confused with it is E. atropunctata, which is often tinted greenish and has much reduced markings.

Adult: May to November
Length 3.5-4.5 mm
Eupteryx aurata
Adult: south London (November 2007) ©Joe Botting

Eupteryx aurata pale form
Adult: north London (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: north London (September 2007) ©Tristan Bantock

Eupteryx aurata Eupteryx aurata
Adult: south London (September 2007) ©Joe Botting Adult: Surrey (June 2007) ©Ashley Wood