Otiocerus francilloni

Otiocerus francilloni, a species of leafhopper. The early nymphal stages of Otiocerus francilloni feed on fungi which is very different from other leafhoppers which feed on the sap of plants. Adults are found with vascular plants but the significance of these associations is not yet determined. After doing some searching on this species it appears that the nearest recorded location from my township in Minnesota is in the area of Chicago, Illinois some 400 miles away. This is a huge range extension and I would expect that this insect species must occur in between here and Chicago. Other states where it has been recorded are DE, FL, GA, MS, NJ, NY, and OH. Oddly, there appear to be no records for any member of the genus in WI but I'm sure there must several species including this one.

This individual of Otiocerus francilloni came to my porch attracted by the incandescent porch light.