Types of Leafhoppers: A Friendly Guide to Identification

Leafhoppers are an intriguing group of insects known for their vibrant colors and distinct hopping abilities. You might come across various types of leafhoppers in your garden or nearby natural habitats, such as the red-banded leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea) with its bright red and blue markings on the wings and thorax, and the aster leafhopper (Macrosteles fascifrons), responsible for spreading aster yellows disease to various plants.

As you explore the world of leafhoppers, you’ll discover that they belong to a large and diverse family. Each species brings unique features and poses different challenges when it comes to pest management. For example, the potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) is a significant pest for over 200 plants, including food crops like potatoes, beans, and cucumbers.

As you learn more about these fascinating creatures, keep in mind their various roles in ecosystems and our agriculture, and remember to appreciate their diverse characteristics that make them stand out in the insect world.

Physiology of Leafhoppers

Color and Size

Leafhoppers come in various colors, such as green, yellow, and brown. Their size ranges from 1/8 to 1/2-inch long, depending on the species. For example, the two-spotted leafhopper is brightly colored, while the aster leafhopper has a duller shade of brown or gray.

Anatomy

These insects have interesting anatomical features. Their hind legs have one or more rows of small spines on the tibiae (“shins”) which you can use to distinguish them from similar species. Leafhoppers possess piercing-sucking mouthparts that allow them to suck out plant sap. Additionally, their antennae help them navigate their surroundings.

Key features of leafhoppers:

• Hind legs with rows of small spines
• Piercing-sucking mouthparts for feeding
• Antennae for detecting their environment

Life Cycle

The life cycle of leafhoppers consists of three stages – egg, nymph, and adult:

1. Egg: Adult leafhoppers lay their eggs on plant tissue. Some species even overwinter in the egg stage.
2. Nymph: After hatching, the wingless nymphs emerge and begin feeding on plants.
3. Adult: Once they complete their development, nymphs transform into adults and start the cycle again by laying eggs.

Throughout their life cycle, leafhoppers can cause damage to a variety of plants, making them a concern for gardeners and farmers alike. By understanding their physiology and life cycle, you can better protect your plants and keep these insects in check.

Leafhopper Species

Empoasca Fabae

Empoasca fabae is commonly known as the potato leafhopper. This insect is a member of the Cicadellidae family, also known as leafhoppers. They are tiny, ranging from one-eighth to one-fourth inch long. This species goes through three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Some characteristics of the potato leafhopper include:

• Feeding on various plants, primarily potatoes
• Causing damage through their piercing-sucking mouthparts

As a result, it is essential to monitor your plants for signs of damage and take preventive measures if needed.

Cicadellidae Family

The Cicadellidae family is a broad group of insects, including various species of leafhoppers, treehoppers, and planthoppers. These insects have existed for millions of years, with some fossils dating back to the lower Cretaceous period (125 million years ago). The main features of this family are:

• A large variety of species with diverse body forms
• Hopping ability due to their powerful hind legs
• Sap-sucking behavior as a primary feeding method

Some species in the Cicadellidae family are brightly colored, while others appear in shades of brown, gray, green, or tan.

True Bugs and Cicadas

True bugs are insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, which also includes cicadas. Leafhoppers, treehoppers, and planthoppers all fall under this order, along with their relatives, sharpshooters. They have some similar features:

• Piercing-sucking mouthparts for extracting plant sap
• Hemelytra wings (partly hardened, partly membranous)
• Incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult stages)

A comparison of some Hemiptera subgroups:

By understanding the variety and characteristics of different leafhopper species, you can take appropriate action in detecting and protecting your plants from potential harm.

Behavior and Habits

Feeding

Leafhoppers feed on various plants by sucking sap from them. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant sap, which might lead to yellowing and wilting of the plants. As they feed, they excrete a sticky waste product called honeydew, which can attract ants. Some leafhoppers can also transmit diseases to plants such as the aster yellows.

Mobility

Leafhoppers are known for their jumping abilities. Their hind legs are equipped with rows of small spines that help them to hop and move quickly. This mobility helps them escape predators and travel to new food sources.

Comparison Table:

Reproduction

Leafhopper females go through a series of life stages before becoming adults. These stages include:

• Egg
• Nymph
• Adult

The eggs are laid singly in leaf tissue, typically in the epidermal tissue on the underside of leaves. This ensures that the young nymphs will have easy access to food sources as they emerge.

Social Interactions

Leafhoppers have unique social interactions due to a specialized secretion called brochosomes. These are tiny, granular particles that help protect the insects from predators and maintain their cleanliness. Leafhoppers cover themselves and their eggs with brochosomes, protecting them from parasitic fungi and other threats.

In summary, leafhoppers have fascinating habits and behaviors related to their feeding, mobility, reproduction, and social interactions. Understanding these behaviors can help in managing the impact of these pests in agricultural and gardening practices.

Habitats

Tree Dwellers

Various leafhoppers reside on trees, where their host plants are often green and diverse. Some of these tree-dwelling leafhoppers feed on willow, oak, and elm trees, among others. Leafhoppers are attracted to these trees due to their nutritious sap, and you’ll often find them feeding on leaves or hiding behind bark.

Examples of tree-dwelling leafhoppers include:

• Willow Leafhopper: Prefers willow trees.
• Oak Leafhopper: Found on oak trees.

Vegetable And Flower Pests

Leafhoppers are a common pest on vegetables and flowers. They can cause considerable damage to crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and asters, as well as flowers such as roses. These insects feed on the sap of their host plants, leading to yellowing and dwarfing of plants, distorted foliage, and abnormal production of shoots.

Their impact on vegetable and flower plants include:

• Potato leafhoppers affecting eggplants and potatoes;
• Aster leafhoppers causing damage on carrots, celery, lettuce;
• Rose leafhoppers causing damage to rose plants.

Weeds and Unwanted Plants

Leafhoppers can also take advantage of weeds and other unwanted plants as host plants for feeding and reproduction. This particularly pertains to species that overwinter as adults, such as the grape leafhopper. These insects use weeds and other unwanted plants for shelter during harsh months, ensuring their survival until the weather improves. This also creates an opportunity for their populations to rebound and increase, allowing them to potentially become more troublesome pests.

Some common weeds that host leafhoppers:

• Milkweed
• Goldenrod
• Pigweed

In conclusion, leafhoppers inhabit a variety of host plants, from trees to vegetables, flowers, and weeds. Knowing their preferred habitats can help you manage their populations and protect your plants from their potentially damaging effects.

Damage and Impact

Plant Diseases and Disorders

Leafhoppers, both nymphs and adults, can cause a range of plant diseases and disorders. They feed on plant sap, which can lead to stunted growth, curling and yellowing of leaves. Other symptoms include spots, white spots, browning, and stippling on affected plants. For example, the potato leafhopper and beet leafhopper can cause hopperburn, which presents as irregular brown spots and curled leaves.

Agricultural Pests

Certain species of leafhoppers, such as the potato leafhopper, beet leafhopper, and rose leafhopper, are considered agricultural pests. These leafhoppers can result in significant damage to a wide variety of crops and plants, potentially causing an infestation that decreases yield and crop quality.

Transmission of Diseases

Leafhoppers are vectors for transmitting plant diseases like viruses and bacteria. They can spread diseases such as curly top, which is caused by a virus and can have a dramatic impact on crops like tomatoes, peppers, and beets. This is particularly worrisome as leafhoppers can quickly transmit diseases from one plant to another during their feeding.

Excrement and Honeydew

As they feed on plant sap, leafhoppers produce excrement in the form of honeydew. This sticky waste can attract other pests and cause the growth of sooty mold on plants. Honeydew can also lead to the spread of plant diseases, as it provides a breeding ground for various pathogens.

To sum up, leafhoppers, in their nymph and adult stages, can cause various types of damage to plants. They contribute to plant diseases and disorders, act as agricultural pests, transmit diseases, and create issues through their excrement and production of honeydew.

Control and Management

Chemical Control

To control leafhoppers chemically, you can use insecticidal soap or other appropriate insecticides. For instance, acephate is one potent chemical you can use as a spray. Follow the label before applying any pesticide.

Pros:

• Quick results
• Effective leafhopper control

Cons:

• Possible negative impact on beneficial insects
• Chemical resistance may develop

Biological Control

You can also opt for biological control methods to manage leafhoppers. Beneficial insects, such as spiders, lacewings, and parasitoids, play a vital role in reducing leafhopper populations. Encourage these natural predators by providing a suitable habitat in your garden.

Cultural Control

Cultural control methods can assist you in managing leafhopper populations. Ensure regular inspection of plant leaves, especially the undersides, where adults and nymphs are likely to be present. Remove any unhealthy or infested plants and keep your garden clean and well-ventilated.

Apply physical barriers like row covers to protect your vulnerable plants. Remember that the appropriate timing is crucial for successful leafhopper control.

Integrated Pest Management

An integrated pest management (IPM) approach combines chemical, biological, and cultural control methods for optimal results. It involves monitoring leafhopper populations, making well-informed decisions, and using multiple strategies to tackle the problem effectively.

To summarize, your IPM plan for leafhoppers might include:

• Regular monitoring
• Usage of insecticidal soap or recommended sprays
• Encouragement of beneficial insects
• Utilization of cultural control methods like row covers
• A balanced combination of all the above practices

By following this comprehensive approach, you’ll be able to manage leafhoppers effectively in your garden while minimizing any negative impacts.