Leafhoppers
Beginner
Scientific Name
Empoasca fabae
Identification
- The adult potato leafhopper is yellow-green, wedge-shaped and
approximately 3 mm (0,12 in.) long
- Immature nymphs are smaller and wingless
- When disturbed, leafhoppers quickly move forward or sideways
- Feeding damage plugs the leaf veins causing “V” shaped or circular yellow lesions on the leaf margins
Often Confused with
Aphids
Drought stress
Period of Activity
Leafhoppers migrate to Ontario in early spring.
Scouting Notes
While monitoring for cucumber beetles take note of potato leafhopper
activity. Plants usually quickly outgrow feeding damage caused
by this pest. Leafhoppers are often found on the undersides
of leaves.
Thresholds
None established.
Advanced
Scientific Name
Empoasca fabae
Identification
The adult leafhopper is yellow-green, wedge-shaped and approximately
3 mm (1/8 in.) long. Immature nymphs are smaller and wingless.
When disturbed, leafhoppers quickly move forward or sideways.
Leafhopper adults and nymphs will occasionally feed on cucurbits.
Feeding damage plugs the leaf veins causing “V” shaped or circular
yellow lesions on the leaf margins.
Often Confused with
Aphids
Drought
stress
Biology
The leafhopper does not overwinter in Ontario. They generally
migrate north every spring, carried along by southerly weather
fronts that start in the Gulf of Mexico. Females lay their
eggs in the main veins and petioles of the leaves. Development
from egg to adult takes approximately 2- 3 weeks.
Period of Activity
Leafhoppers migrate to Ontario in early spring. Initial generations feed on alfalfa before moving into other vegetable crops.
Scouting Notes
While monitoring for cucumber beetles, take note of potato leafhopper
activity. Plants usually quickly outgrow feeding damage caused
by this pest. Leafhoppers are often found on the undersides
of the leaves.
Thresholds
None established. Leafhopper feeding does not usually cause
economic injury to cucurbit plants.
Management Notes
- The leafhopper is not normally an economical pest.
