Leafhopper Pest
Cicadellidae
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameLeafhopper Pest
DescriptionLeafhoppers are small, jumping insects that suck plant sap and transmit diseases. Learn to identify damage and protect your plants from these active vectors.
TypeInsect
FamilyCicadellidae
GenusEmpoasca
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderHemiptera
Features
- Named for their ability to hop quickly between leaves using powerful hind legs. Notorious for transmitting phytoplasmas and viruses while feeding
- Tiny, wedge-shaped bodies, often bright green, yellow, or patterned. Wings are held roof-like over the back. Known for walking sideways when disturbed
- Pierce the undersides of leaves to suck phloem sap. High-speed feeders that produce large amounts of honeydew
- Cause 'hopperburn' where leaf tips and margins turn yellow and then brown/dry. Heavy feeding leads to stippling (small white spots) on leaves
- Eggs are inserted into plant stems or leaf veins. Nymphs look like smaller, wingless adults. They have very fast lifecycles, often 2-3 weeks
- Small insects, usually 3-13 mm long. Very slender and streamlined
- Thrive in warm weather. Many species are migratory, moving north with warm wind currents in the spring
- Attack a vast range of plants including beans, potatoes, grapes, apples, roses, and many forest trees
- Use reflective silver mulch to confuse the insects. Row covers are effective for preventing feeding on young plants
- Encourage natural predators like lacewings and damsel bugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf undersides
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificCicadellidae
English (Alternate)Hopper
Hindiलीफहॉपर (Leafhopper), फुदका (Phudka)
Tamilஇலைப்பேன் (Ilaippen)
Teluguఆకు దోమ (Aaku doma)
Malayalamഇലപ്പൊട്ടി (Ilappotti)
Kannadaಎಲೆ ಜಿಗಿಹುಳು (Ele jigihulu)
Sanskritपत्र-उत्प्लवक (Patra-utplavaka)
Bengaliপাতা ফড়িং (Pata phoring)
Frenchcicadelle
Russianцикадка (tsikadka)
Spanishsaltahojas
GermanZikade
