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Redbanded Leafhopper

Graphocephala coccinea[3]

The redbanded leafhopper, also called the candy-striped leafhopper, is a brightly striped sharpshooter that feeds on rhododendron, roses and many other plants.[1][2]

Group
Insect
Order
Hemiptera
Family
Cicadellidae
US records
38 states
Sources
3 cited
Updated
2026-10-16
Redbanded leafhopper with red and blue-green stripes and a yellow head
Redbanded leafhopper with red and blue-green stripes and a yellow head. (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0
On this page
  1. Identification
  2. Look-alikes
  3. Where it lives
  4. Biology
  5. Damage and signs
  6. Health risk
  7. Control
  8. Related profiles
  9. Common questions
  10. Sources

How to identify it

  • It is about 1/4 to 5/16 inch long, with bright red and blue or green stripes on the wings and thorax and a yellow head, legs and underside.[2]
  • It jumps or flies off quickly when approached, so its damage is often noticed first.[1][2]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
LeafhoppersOne of many leafhoppers; a close relative, G. fennahi, feeds only on rhododendron.[1]

Where it lives

Found in woodlands, meadows and landscapes in Massachusetts and North Carolina.[1][2]

US map: public records from 38 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

UMass suggests monitoring from July through the first killing frost.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Egg laying causes oval swellings under leaves that may leave 4 mm scars or holes, and nymph feeding distorts new rhododendron growth.[1]
  • Hosts include rhododendron, azalea, mountain laurel, rose, privet, crapemyrtle, Scotch broom and fruit bushes.[1][2]
  • It can transmit Pierce's disease and leaf scorch bacteria to grape, oak, elm, sycamore and other trees and shrubs.[2]

Health risk

None to people or pets.[1][2]

Control

Keep them out

Fine netting can protect small plantings or nursery plants during active periods.[1]

Pesticides

Plants may be reinfested soon after short-residual sprays such as insecticidal soap, neem or oils, but any product labeled for home landscape leafhoppers should work.[2]

Common questions

What is the red and blue striped bug on my rhododendron?
Most likely a redbanded (candy-striped) leafhopper.[1][2]

Sources

  1. UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program (Landscape Insect & Mite Guide), “Graphocephala coccinea (Redbanded Leafhopper / Sharpshooter).” www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/publications-resources/insect-mite-guide/graphocephala-coccinea (accessed 2026-10-16)
  2. NC State Extension, “Redbanded Leafhopper on Ornamental Plants (PDIC Factsheet).” content.ces.ncsu.edu/the-red-banded-leafhopper-on-ornamental-plants (accessed 2026-10-16)
  3. iNaturalist, “Graphocephala coccinea taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/56925 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-16. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.