Common Names:          Leafhopper

Scientific Name:            Order Homoptera, family Cicadellid
Size:                            Adult - 1/10" -1/2"   

Identification:   Adults are distinctive wedge shaped insects with triangular heads. Most are brown or green but some are brightly decorated. All have well-developed hind legs for jumping. Nymphs are very similar to adults but paler in color and wingless.

Biology/Life Cycle:   Incomplete metamorphosis - Adults overwinter and lay eggs in rows or clusters when leaves emerge. Eggs hatch in 10-14 days, nymphs develop for 1-4 weeks. 2-5 generations a year.       

Habitat:  Fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants.

Feeding Habits: Adults and nymphs suck juices from stems and undersides of leaves causing a mottled look.

Economic Importance: Toxic saliva can cause stunty leaf growth or warty, crinkled or rolled edges. Some are vectors of plant disease.

Natural Control:   Maintain healthy plants, protect natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and flies, damsel bugs, minute pirate bugs, lady beetles, lacewings and spiders. Birds, frogs, lizards and insectivorous insects.

 Organic Control: Strong water blasts and citrus oil products. Horticultural oil for heavy infestation.

Insight:  Entomologists say that leafhoppers are responsible for spreading more than 150 plant disorders.