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What is a Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a type of leaf-hopping insect native to the Southeastern United States. On its native ground, the insect does not pose any serious problems, but as an invasive species, it puts crops in other parts of the United States at risk. Of largest concern is the grape crop in California, which is very vulnerable to infection with Pierce's disease, a bacterial infection which is carried by glassy-winged sharpshooters. As a result, public interest in the insect has grown since it was first identified in California in 1990.

The insects may also be called glassy wing sharpshooters, or just sharpshooters. Formally, the glassy-winged sharpshooter is known as Homalodisca coagulata. The insects are around a half inch (12 millimeters) in length, with dark brown to black bodies marked with large creamy white spots. The common name for the insect comes from its transparent wings, which do look a bit like very thin glass. The range of glassy-winged sharpshooters in the Southeast is fairly extensive, and it is believed that the insects caught a ride to California in crops exported from the South.

Pierce's disease, a bacterial infection  carried by glassy-winged sharpshooters, infects the xylem of plants.
Pierce's disease, a bacterial infection carried by glassy-winged sharpshooters, infects the xylem of plants.

In addition to Pierce's disease, glassy-winged sharpshooters can carry an assortment of other fungi and bacteria. They are ideal vectors of disease transmission because they are so voracious, consuming many times their own weight in a day. As a result, they may travel far afield, contaminating fresh crops with bacterial infections from other regions. In 1990, the glassy-winged sharpshooter was identified as the culprit behind Pierce's disease infection in Southern California, and the insects have been working their way north.

Pierce's disease is an infection caused by the Xylella fastidiosa bacteria. It infects the xylem of plants, which is the structure responsible for transmission of water and nutrients. Within a year of infection, the infected plant has withered and died, and it must be destroyed, because there is no cure for Pierce's disease. This puts the grape industry at serious risk, and since grapes and wine are major exports of California, several state organizations have joined forces to fight the glassy-winged sharpshooter, using a variety of techniques.

Identification is perhaps one of the most important techniques. Many biologists set out traps around the state to catch insects for later identification. This can provide information about ambient insect populations and their life cycles, and it can be an early warning system for glassy-winged sharpshooter invasions. Many biologists also work directly with farmers, in the hopes of coming up with innovative techniques for countering the threat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter?

The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis, is a large leafhopper native to the southeastern United States. It's known for its distinctive, translucent wings and voracious appetite for plant sap. This insect has gained notoriety as a vector for plant diseases, particularly the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes diseases like Pierce's disease in grapevines.

Why is the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter considered a pest?

Considered a significant agricultural pest, the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter spreads plant pathogens, notably Xylella fastidiosa. This bacterium causes devastating diseases in crops such as grapes, almonds, and citrus. The sharpshooter's feeding habits and mobility allow it to infect a wide range of plants, leading to serious economic impacts on affected industries.

How does the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter spread disease?

The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter spreads disease by feeding on the xylem fluid of plants, picking up bacteria like Xylella fastidiosa. As it moves to feed on other plants, it transmits the bacteria, which then colonize the water-conducting tissues of the host plant, leading to diseases such as Pierce's disease in grapevines and almond leaf scorch.

What are the control methods for Glassy-Winged Sharpshooters?

Control methods for Glassy-Winged Sharpshooters include chemical pesticides, biological control agents like parasitic wasps, and cultural practices such as removing host plants. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are also employed, combining monitoring, use of less harmful pesticides, and release of natural predators to minimize the sharpshooter population and disease spread.

Where can Glassy-Winged Sharpshooters be found?

Originally from the southeastern United States, Glassy-Winged Sharpshooters have spread to California and other parts of the world. They thrive in warm climates and are often found in vineyards, orchards, and gardens, where they can access a variety of host plants for feeding and reproduction.

What impact does the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter have on agriculture?

The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter has a significant negative impact on agriculture, particularly in regions like California where it threatens the wine industry by spreading Pierce's disease. The economic cost of managing the pest and the diseases it vectors is substantial, with millions of dollars spent annually on control measures and crop losses.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Pierce's disease, a bacterial infection  carried by glassy-winged sharpshooters, infects the xylem of plants.
      By: designua
      Pierce's disease, a bacterial infection carried by glassy-winged sharpshooters, infects the xylem of plants.