Family: Cicadellidae
Subfamily: Xestocephalinae
Length: 2.5-3.5 mm
Leafhoppers in the genus Xestocephalus are believed to be "ant guests," living in ant nests and feeding on plant roots there. Hamilton (1975) sifted adult Xestocephalus out of topsoil containing ants.
The various species in the genus are of similar appearance, generally short and robust, brownish with lighter markings.
Paul Cwikla, who made a careful examination of 9,000 specimens, (1985) noted that "The only accurate means of identification is through the use of the male genitalia" and that "identification of female specimens can only be made when associated with male specimens."
Most of our adult Xestocephalus photos from West Virginia have been taken in July, August, and September. Members of this genus fly readily to lights.
K.G.A. Hamilton (1975) cited reports that some species in this group are associated with ant nests, and Hamilton himself "sifted adult Xestocephalus sp. from topsoil that also contained ants."
The only species with a published West Virginia record is Xestocephalus desertorum, which is also found in all states contiguuous to West Virginia. Cwikla notes that X. desertorum is a variable species that is "the most common New World Xestocephalus species." Length is 1.9-3.2 mm for males, and 2.2-3.7 for females (Cwikla, 1985).
