Its range extends from Central America north to the American Pacific Northwest and parts of Manitoba, in Canada.

On some plants, especially potato, feeding of the nymphs causes a condition called psyllid yellows, presumed to be the result of a toxin.

Zebra chip is a recently diagnosed disease of potatoes associated with psyllid infestation and caused by species of the gram-negative bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter.

This disease causes very significant losses to farmers when it occurs as the potatoes are not suitable for making them into chips or fries.

Maximum potato yield loss appears to be related to infestations occurring early in the growing season, or on crops with a significant leaf canopy by summer.