Leafhopper: All You Need to Know About These Garden Pests

Leafhoppers are fascinating insects belonging to the family Cicadellidae. These small, yet diverse creatures can be found in various ecosystems around the world, feeding on plant sap using their piercing-sucking mouthparts. With over 20,000 known species, leafhoppers come in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from 1/8 to 1/2-inch long depending on the species.

These insects play a significant role in their ecosystems, and their presence can often be an indicator of the overall health of the environment. Some common characteristics of leafhoppers include their elongated, wedge-shaped bodies and their ability to jump and fly off readily when disturbed. Their unique hind legs, equipped with rows of small spines, aid in their incredible jumping abilities.

In this article, we will explore the world of leafhoppers, covering their feeding habits, life cycle, and how they interact with their surroundings. We will also touch on their impact on agriculture and tips for managing them in your garden. So, let’s dive into the intriguing life of these colorful, hopping insects!

Leafhopper Overview

Insect Characteristics

Leafhoppers are small, hopping insects belonging to the family Cicadellidae. They have a variety of body colors, including:

• Yellow
• Green
• Gray
• Marked with color patterns

These insects are often confused with cicadas, but in a smaller size. One distinguishing feature is their hind legs, which have small spines on the hind tibiae (“shins”)¹. Leafhoppers have wings and can both jump and fly.

Different Leafhopper Species

There are numerous leafhopper species, feeding on a wide range of vascular plant species like grasses, sedges, broad-leafed plants, and conifers².

Comparison Table

In summary, leafhoppers are a large and diverse group of insects, and their small size, spined hind legs, and various colors make them unique among their insect relatives. They play a significant role in their ecosystems, feeding on a variety of plant species.

Life Cycle and Biology

Eggs and Nymphs

Leafhoppers go through three stages in their life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult¹. Female leafhoppers lay eggs on plant tissue⁴. The nymphs hatch from eggs and go through several molts as they develop².

• Nymphs resemble adults but are wingless⁵

During the growing season, leafhoppers can complete multiple generations³.

Adult Leafhoppers

Adult leafhoppers are typically one-eighth to one-fourth inch long⁶. They have a variety of colors, such as yellow, green, and gray and can have color patterns⁷.

• Use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant sap⁸
• Excrete honeydew, a shiny, sticky waste product⁹

Adult leafhoppers can overwinter and survive until the next growing season¹⁰.

Leafhopper Damage and Effects

Damage to Plants

Leafhoppers can cause significant damage to plants due to their feeding habits. These pests extract sap from plant leaves, resulting in:

• Curling – Leaves curl around the affected area
• Yellowing – Leaves lose their green pigment
• Stunting – Plant growth is inhibited, leading to stunted growth
• Spotting – Brown, necrotic areas appear on leaves

Some common plants affected by leafhoppers include carrots, celery, lettuce, potatoes, and other vegetables.

Signs of a Leafhopper Infestation

Identifying a leafhopper infestation can be challenging as these pests are small and not easily noticed. However, some signs to look for include:

• Presence of leafhoppers on plants: Check the undersides of leaves for these tiny insects
• Hopperburn: This symptom is characterized by leaf edges turning brown due to leafhopper feeding

Here’s a comparison table to help differentiate leafhopper damage from other common plant issues:

By recognizing the damage signs and taking timely action, you can control the impact of leafhoppers on your plants and maintain a healthy garden.

Leafhopper Host Plants and Habitats

Leafhoppers are plant-feeding insects known for sucking sap from various plant species. They can be found living in diverse habitats based on their host plant preferences.

Common Garden Plants

Leafhoppers target numerous common garden plants, such as:

• Beans
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Potato
• Corn
• Roses
• Dahlias
• Sunflowers

They feed on nearly 200 kinds of plants and can be found in North America and worldwide.

Trees and Shrubs

Leafhoppers also target various trees and shrubs, including:

• Pear trees
• Apple trees
• Fruit trees
• Elm trees
• Chinese chestnut
• English walnut
• Hickory
• Creosote bush
• Rabbitbrush
• Sage

These insects typically feed on plant stems, extracting sap and creating potential damage to the host plant. Leafhoppers thrive in different climates, from tropical rainforests to arctic tundra.

Keep in mind that different leafhopper species have preferences for specific host plants, so you may find varying species in habitats ranging from desert regions to lush forests.

Prevention and Control Methods

Cultural Practices

• Maintain a clean garden by removing plant debris and weeds
• Choose resistant plant varieties when possible
• Use floating row covers to protect plants
• Avoid overwatering and overfertilizing, as it attracts leafhoppers

Maintaining a clean garden helps reduce leafhopper populations by eliminating their hiding spots and breeding areas. Opt for resistant plant varieties if available, as they are less susceptible to leafhopper damage.

Biological Control

• Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs_to the garden
• Encourage natural predators like ants and spiders

Introducing beneficial insects and fostering an environment for natural predators can keep leafhopper populations in check.

Chemical Control

• Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap for mild infestations
• Use pyrethrins or carbaryl for more severe cases
• Apply pesticides with caution to avoid harming pollinators

For mild infestations, consider using environmentally friendly options like neem oil or insecticidal soap. For more severe cases, opt for stronger chemicals like pyrethrins or carbaryl, but use them cautiously to protect pollinators.

The above table compares the pros and cons of the different control methods for leafhoppers. Always consider the severity of the infestation and potential impacts on the environment before selecting a control method.

Notable Leafhopper Species

Potato Leafhopper

The Potato Leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) is a small, green leafhopper that affects various plants. Commonly found in the United States, it’s a major pest for potatoes, beans, and alfalfa.

Some features of the Potato Leafhopper include:

• Size: around 1/8-inch long
• Color: green
• Migratory nature: found in summer

Beet Leafhopper

The Beet Leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus) is another pest, mainly targeting beets and other crops such as tomatoes and spinach. They are significant vectors for plant diseases like the beet curly top virus.

Characteristics of the Beet Leafhopper:

• Size: approximately 1/8-inch long
• Color: pale green to light brown
• Wings: transparent, with dark veins

Two-Spotted Leafhopper

The Two-Spotted Leafhopper (Sophonia rufofascia) is an invasive species from Asia that causes damage to various agricultural and ornamental plants. It is known for its distinctive red markings.

Here are some features of the Two-Spotted Leafhopper:

• Size: around 1/8-inch long
• Color: green, with two red spots on the wings
• Feeding habits: may cause leaf curling and yellowing of plants

Comparison Table

Further Identification and Management

Identifying Leafhopper Damage

Leafhoppers are sap-sucking insects that can cause damage to various plants, including garden crops and herbs. They feed on plant sap, resulting in a unique type of damage called stippling. Signs of a leafhopper infestation include:

• Yellowing or curling leaves
• Stunted plant growth
• Discolored veins on leaves
• Presence of larvae or adult leafhoppers.

Stippling can resemble damage caused by spider mites, mold, or bacteria but can be distinguished by the presence of leafhoppers and their waste products.

Integrated Pest Management Strategies

There are several integrated pest management strategies to control leafhoppers. These include:

• Monitoring: Regularly inspect garden plants for leafhopper presence or damage
• Removing Infested Plants: If an infestation is severe, removing affected plants can prevent spreading
• Encouraging Predatory Insects: Some insects, like ladybugs or lacewings, naturally prey on leafhoppers. Encourage these predators by planting flowers that attract them.

Here is a comparison table of some common control methods:

Remember to regularly monitor your plants for damage and respond accordingly to minimize leafhopper infestations.