Suitability of annual and perennial species ofSorghum, Lolium, andPanicumand of healthy or maize chlorotic dwarf virus (MCDV)-infected maize (Zea maysL.) was determined for oviposition and development ofGraminella nigrifrons(Forbes). Intra- and intergeneric comparisons show that host life history and genus had a significant effect on the number of adult leafhoppers produced, their weight, and their developmental time from egg to adult, as did the interaction of these effects. More and heavier adults were produced on annualSorghumandPanicumthan on their perennial counterparts. Numbers and weights of leafhoppers produced on annual and perennialLoliumwere not significantly different. Developmental time from egg to adult was shorter on annual than on perennialPanicumbut was not different withinSorghumandLolium. Numbers of adults and their weights onSorghumspecies were greater than onLoliumspecies, which was greater than onPanicumspecies. Evidence that annual grasses may be superior to perennials as hosts within a genus for this generalist leafhopper is consistent with recent studies of natural grasslands that show higher leafhopper densities on annuals during the logarithmic phase of plant growth than at any time on perennials. Although healthy maize was an excellent host forG. nigrifrons, MCDV infection improved its suitability. This agrees with previous field (but not laboratory) studies that show young maize to be a suitable host for this leafhopper.