Leafhoppers

Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped hopping insects. Adults are about ¼ inch long and slender. They range in color from green to brown and yellow. They have a distinctive "sideways" walking movement and are excellent flyers. Their eyes are on the side of their head, and they have piercing mouthparts. They are found throughout home gardens.

Damage

Leafhopper adults and nymphs feed by sucking juice out of plant leaves and grass blades. Their saliva is toxic, causing spotting (white specks), yellowing, leaf curling, stunting and distortion of plants. They also transmit the organisms that can cause some diseases in plants. While feeding, Leafhoppers can also excrete honeydew, coating the plant and resulting in sooty mold (see Sooty Mold).
 

Location

Leafhoppers are found throughout the United States.
 

Similar or Related Pests

Lacebugs, Psyllids and Plant Bugs