The Situation: The glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), likely introduced from the southeastern U.S. as eggs on nursery stock, was first observed in Orange and Ventura counties in California in 1989. It has a large plant-host range and is especially abundant on citrus.

Is the glassy winged sharpshooter an invasive species?

coagulata), is an insect that was introduced into California in the late 1980s. This insect is native to the southeastern United States and was most likely brought into southern California accidentally as egg masses in ornamental or agricultural plant foliage.

Who makes imidacloprid?

Bayer CropScience
As of 1999, imidacloprid was the most widely used insecticide in the world. Although it is now off patent, the primary manufacturer of this chemical is Bayer CropScience (part of Bayer AG).

How can you tell if you have a glassy winged sharpshooter?

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a large insect compared to other leafhoppers. Adults are about 0.5 inch long and are generally dark brown to black when viewed from the top or side. The abdomen is whitish or yellow. The head is brown to black and covered with numerous ivory to yellowish spots.

Are invasive species?

An invasive species is an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native. Invasive species are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats.

How does Pierce’s disease spread?

Pierce’s disease has been present in California since at least the 1880s. In the past 100 years, it has periodically caused epidemic losses in coastal vineyards and in vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley. The bacteria are spread (vectored) from plant to plant by xylem-feeding insects such as sharpshooters.

When was the glassy winged sharpshooter introduced to California?

Glassy-winged sharpshooter egg mass with parasitoid emergence holes. The glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (formerly H. coagulata), is an insect that was introduced into California in the late 1980s.

Where can glassy winged sharpshooter be found in the wild?

The nymphs emerging from these egg masses typically develop into overwintering adults. The glassy-winged sharpshooter is found in many habitats, including agricultural crops, urban landscapes, native woodlands, and riparian vegetation. It feeds on hundreds of plant species across dozens of plant families.

Where does a glassy winged sharpshooter lay its egg?

Close-up of smoky-tree sharpshooter head. Glassy-winged sharpshooter female next to an egg mass laid under the epidermis of the lower leaf surface (on left). Glassy-winged sharpshooter egg mass with parasitoid emergence holes.

What kind of plants do sharpshooters live on?

Scientists estimate the host plants for this sharpshooter include over 70 different plant species. Among the hosts are grapes, citrus trees, almonds, stone fruit, and oleanders. Because of the large number of hosts, glassy-winged sharpshooter populations are able to flourish in both agricultural and urban areas.