An intense search is under way in many areas to prevent the introduction of glassy-winged sharpshooter, a nonnative invasive insect linked to the spread of Xyllela fastidiosa, the bacterium that causes Pierce's disease. Since many people have not seen the glassy-winged sharpshooter, it can be confused with other insects occurring in vineyards and backyards (“look-a-likes“). The following photos and descriptions are useful tools in correctly identifying this pest.

Adult glassy-winged sharpshooter

Adult glassy-winged sharpshooter

• Approximately 1/2 inch (11 to 13 mm) long.

• Dark brown to black in color with an ivory underside.

• Top of the head has small, ivory-to-yellowish spots.

• Body shape is parallel-sided with a pointed head.

• Wings are partly transparent with reddish veins.

• Wings are folded flat over the body.

• Length of hind tibia has two rows of small spines (fig. 1).

• While resting, they shift their bodies from side to side (inspiring the name “sharpshooters”).

Nymphal stages

Nymphal stage glassy-winged sharpshooter

• Glassy-winged sharpshooter has five nymphal (immature) stages.

• Nymphal length ranges from 1/16 inch (2 mm) long for the first stage up to 3/8 inch (9 mm) for fifth stage.

• Nymphs are olive-gray with prominent reddish eyes.

• Immatures are wingless and have softer bodies.

• Immatures have piercing/sucking mouthparts and a bulging face.

Glassy-winged sharpshooter mouthparts

• Muscles that operate the feeding pump give the face a swollen appearance

• Piercing/sucking mouthparts

Fig. 1. Hind leg