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Eupteryx melissae Sage Leafhopper
Family: Cicadellidae

E. melissae is the commonest leafhopper to occur on sage, (but see also E. decemotata) and in the southern part of England is virtually ubiquitous on it. It also feeds on a variety of other labiates such as mallow, lemonbalm and catmint.

There are three large more or less rounded spots on the vertex and six smaller spots along the anterior of the pronotum, with an irregularly-shaped greyish area behind this.

Compare: E. decemnotata

Adult: May to October, may overwinter
Length 3 mm
Eupteryx melissae
Adult on sage : north London (November 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Eupteryx melissae Eupteryx melissae
Adult on sage: Leics (September 2008) ©David Gould

Adult on sage: Berks (September 2007) ©Jonathan Michaelson

Eupteryx melissae Eupteryx melissae
Adult: south London (September 2007) ©Joe Botting

Adult: north London (February 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Eupteryx melissae
Nymph: north London (February 2008) ©Tristan Bantock