Cicadulina latens Fennah

Description & Identification

Small, fragile species. Length of male 1.80 mm., female 2.00 mm. (Nielson, 1968)General color light orange. Crown orange with two distinct black round spots on anterior margin; pronotum orange; elytra with diffused white band along each side of commissure and a broad diffused light-brown band medially along entire length of elytra, coastal vein light orange or ivory.(Nielson, 1968)From mbila, to which it is similar in male genital characteristics, latens can be distinguished by the pygofer processes, which are shallowly bifurcate apically.(Nielson 1968)

Biology & Ecology

Unknown. Attacks grasses and maize in Kenya. (Nielson, 1968)

Worldwide Distribution

It is known only from Kenya, Africa. Fennah in 1960 (255) described the species from Kikuyu, Kenya, the only known locality of the species. (Nielson, 1968)

Vector Status

Economic Crops

This species is a vector of maize streak virus in Kenya, Africa. It was first reported as a vector of this virus by Fennah in 1960 (255) and there are no records confirming transmission.(Nielson 1968)The importance of this species in the spread of this virus is uncertain.(Nielson 1968)

Plant Diseases