It feeds on a wide variety of trees, woody ornamentals and annuals in its region of origin, the southeastern United States. Crepe myrtle and sumac are especially preferred. It reproduces on Eucalyptus and coast live oaks in Southern California. In addition to grapes, it is believed the insect threatens almonds, alfalfa, apricots, cherries, citrus, peaches and ornamentals. Yes, the threat to the urban environment is real.
Sharpshooters excrete water droplets when they feed on plants.
These droplets eventually wet people, cars, backyard play equipment, pools, cars and sidewalks. Sharpshooters have to filter out minerals and amino acids from the liquid sucked from plants. They have to filter so much water to get adequate nutrition that it excretes a sizeable droplet of water about every three seconds. When dried, the watery excrement leaves trees and shrubs with a white-washed appearance. Favorite residential host plants for the sharpshooter include ash, bougainvillea, camellia, citrus, crape myrtle, eucalyptus, loquat, magnolia, mulberry, oak, privet, umbrella tree, apple, most stone fruits, blackberry, Chinese elm, oleander, philodendron, pine, sycamore, trumpet flower, wisteria, willow and yucca.