I just saw one like it when I was browsing after your last reply. =)



How can they look so different?

I think it is the female that has the prominent pale bands, but you'd have to ask Andy Hamilton to verify:-) I am very 'new' to the cicadellids.

Coelidia have lots of color forms, especially in the immature forms (nymphs). Adults have differences, too. The northern subspecies is brown, while the southern/coastal subspecies is orange, and somewhat shorter than the northern form. The latter also has sexual dimorphism, males being dark brown with a yellowish head, females being cross-banded on the wings (as in this shot).

Where the two subspecies come together, you may get intermediate forms from hybridism.

for the explanation. I'll have to keep an eye out for intermediate forms since both northern and southern/coastal subspecies inhabit my yard.