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Idiocerus vitreus
Family: Cicadellidae

Leafhoppers in the Idiocerinae are large and often highly patterned, with a very broad, short vertex. The group is large and often very difficult to identify. Almost all are associated with poplars or willows.

This species is primarily orange/yellow-brown, with a pinkish tint and sometimes with an almost metallic golden sheen. The forebody lacks dark mottling, but there is usually a pale midline on the pronotum and top of the face. Pale marks on the forewings are mostly restricted to the inner margin and the inner parts of some of the long veins (as seen here), often with a greyish area adjacent to the scutellum.

Locally common on poplars and sometimes sallows, as far north as Yorkshire. Females often overwinter on conifers.

Adult: mainly June to October
Length 4.5-5.5 mm
Idiocerus vitreus
Adult: north London (February 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Idiocerus vitreus Idiocerus vitreus
Adult: north London (February 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: north London (February 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

face Idiocerus vitreus
Adult: Huddersfield (February 2008) ©Joe Botting
Adult: Huddersfield (February 2008) ©Joe Botting