Host plant specificity, oviposition behaviour and egg parasitism in some leafhoppers of the genus Eupteryx (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Abstract.

• 1 Three species of Eupteryx, E.aurata, E.cyclops and E.urticae are regularly found on stinging nettles in South Wales.
• 2 E.aurata host alternates between nettles in spring and autumn, and Heraclewn, Eupatorium and Mentha species in summer. E.cyclops and E.urticae attack only nettles.
• 3 All species are host specific during oviposition and show preferences to lay eggs in discrete plant regions.
• 4 A Mymarid egg parasite of the genus Anagrus was reared more commonly from eggs laid in nettles than from eggs laid in alternative hosts.