What do glassy-winged sharpshooters look like?
The insect is one of the largest sharpshooters found in California and is almost twice as large as the other common species found in the state. Adults are about 1/2 inch (13-14 mm) long and dark brown in color with small yellow dots on head and thorax. Wings are membranous and translucent, with reddish veins. Egg masses are usually laid in the leaves of various plants but may also be deposited in the rind of citrus fruit, making it unmarketable. Upon trying to observe a sharpshooter on a plant, it will often retreat to the opposite side of the stem. Click here to go the workgroup webpage with links to photographs of the GWSS and other sharpshooters and leafhoppers of agricultural importance found in California.
