The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Scaphoideus luteolus, a well-defined
phloem sap-feeding insect species in the family Cicadellidae (Insecta: Hemiptera). It can be identified
using taxonomic keys. S. luteolus is only present in the eastern part of the USA. The main host plants of
S. luteolus are species of the genus Ulmus (U. americana, U. alata, U. bergmanianna, U. szechuanica,
U. rubra), but specimens have also been collected on Vitis sp., Salix sp. and Populus sp. The species does
not cause damage by itself, but it is the only confirmed vector of the phytoplasma Candidatus
Phytoplasma ulmi (CPu), which is present in North America where it causes heavy damage to the local
elms, as well as in some European countries where the local elms are considered less susceptible.
S. luteolus has three developmental stages (egg, nymph, adult). It overwinters in the egg stage, takes
36–42 days to complete nymphal stage, and adults are found throughout the summer period. Both
nymphs and adults are capable of transmitting CPu and, after acquiring the pathogen, remain infective
for the rest of their life. The main pathways are cut branches and plants for planting. These pathways are
not regulated for the main host, Ulmus, though requirements are in place in relation to other pests on
Ulmus. These pathways are also not regulated for Salix. Establishment would be favoured by the wide
coverage of Ulmus spp. in the EU territory and by climatic conditions comparable to those of the pest’s
native range. S. luteolus meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union
quarantine pest. The criteria for considering it as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not
met since the species is absent from the EU