Leafhoppers - (many species)

 
  UC - Davis, Pests of the Garden and Small Farm - Puplication #3332

  

TYPE DESCRIPTION: Carrot Leafhopper Adults are smoky green, wedge-shaped, 3/16 inch long, and 6 spotted. Potato Leafhopper Adults are yellow green, spindle-shaped, 1/8 inch long, and winged. Nymphs are smaller and wingless. Rose Leafhopper Overwintering eggs on canes are dark, pimple-shaped spots. Cream colored nymphs hatch in spring, feed on leaf undersides, then adults move to oaks, elms and other ornamentals. Virginia Creeper Leafhopper Adults are pale, whitish, wedge-shaped and 3/16” long. They emerge when temperatures are 60 - 65° F. for several days.

There are many different types of leafhoppers. Adults are generally tiny, winged, pale green to whitish insects (1/8 inch long). They fly up from underneath leaves when disturbed and are sometimes mistaken for whiteflies. Nymphs are wingless, 1/8 inch, pale green to whitish and resemble fat aphids. Several generations occur per season and populations can build to be quite high on some plants later in the growing season.

LIFE CYCLE: Depends on the species.

CONTROLS:

Mechanical: Yellow sticky traps can attract and decrease leafhopper populations. Floating row covers over emerging seedlings can help protect from this pest. Shading plants helps to avoid leafhoppers.

Chemical: Best control occurs if you discover an infestation early and treat when nymphs are present, before adults emerge. Insecticidal soap and neem sprayed on leaf undersides in the early morning or later evenings, when leafhopper adults do not move so fast, can provide control if applied every 5 - 7 days. Rotenone/pyrethrin spray is also effective.