Polymorphism,taxonomy and host plant associations in Alebra leafhoppers (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)

The taxonomy of a complex of morphologically similar Alebra species is clarified, and the number of adult colour pattern morphs of each in Britain, and their host plant associations, established. Morphological characters are figured for the identification of the four species now recognized, including two that are associated with different species of deciduous oaks and which were previously regarded as colour pattern morphs of A. albostriella. Three nymphal colour pattern morphs are described within the A. albostriella sibling species, two of which are shared, thus supplying further evidence for their close relationship. A key is given for the identification of the species and adult morphs of Alebra in Britain.     

Patterns of host-plant utilization by leafhoppers in the genus Eupteryx (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Britain

Known host-plant associations are listed for the 16 species of Eupteryx occurring in Britain. A total of 77 species in 17 plant families are exploited. The most frequently represented plant family is the Labiatae. Degrees of specificity range from strict monophagy (four spp.) to broad polyphagy (five spp.). In general, host-plant overlap between species is low. The detailed relationships between three Eupteryx species and three members of the Urticaceae were explored using field populations and laboratory feeding experiments, survival tests and examination of patterns of oviposition. Eupteryx urticae, E. cyclops and E. aurata all utilized Urtica dioica as their primary host plant. However, the only regularly recorded association with other members of the Urticaceae was the host range expansion of E. urticae onto Parietaria judaica in the second generation. These findings were supported by the laboratory experiments. The spatial distributions of E. urticae oviposition sites and levels of attack by mymarid parasitoids were similar in populations on the two plant species. The implications of these results are discussed.