Sallow vs Sage Leafhopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sallow Sage Leafhopper
Scientific Name Xanthia icteritia Eupteryx melissae
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Noctuidae Cicadellidae
Size 30-36 mm wingspan 3-3.5 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sallow

A pretty golden-yellow moth found in autumn, associated with sallow trees. Adults can be attracted to sugar or wine rope. Larvae feed on sallow catkins before descending to feed on low plants.

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Did You Know?

Larvae begin life eating sallow catkins high in trees, then descend to complete development on ground-level plants.

Sage Leafhopper

A small, attractively marked leafhopper found on sage and other labiates in gardens. Feeding causes pale stippling on leaves. Originally Mediterranean but expanding northward.

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Did You Know?

Has expanded its range significantly northward in Europe, likely benefiting from climate change and herb gardening.