| Leafhoppers are one of the largest families of plant-feeding insects. There are more species of this pest, than all species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined. Leafhoppers feed by sucking the sap of vascular plants, and are found almost anywhere such plants occur. Many leafhopper species are important agricultural pests. many have their particular crop niche, some infest many crops.
The most common colors of varying leafhoppers are greens and browns which serves as a natural camouflage, many tropical and subtropical varieties come in a spectrum of lively colors.
Leafhoppers have wings, which do not lie flat when retracted but fold tightly against the body. Leafhoppers are small insects, the largest being approximately 13 mm in length, most species are no more a few millimeters long. They have short, thin bristle-like antennae, and a double row of spines running along their hind legs. Not that you could see this without a microscope or magnifier.
Controls For Leafhoppers
The key aspect of managing leafhopper infestations is to detect them before it becomes too difficult to deal with. Plant inspection is one detection method. Another method is to use Yellow Sticky Traps , placed slightly above crop height
Recommended Control For Leaf Hoppers is * Rotenone/Pyrethrin which Controls aphids, asparagus beetle, bean beetle, cabbageworm, cherry fruitfly, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetle, elm leaf beetle larvae, thrips, flea beetle, garden fleahopper, webworm, harlequin bug, Japanese beetle, mite, leafhopper, leaf roller, raspberry fruit worm, rose chafer, sod webworm, squash bug (nymph) and squash vine borer, strawberry leafroller ....
Biological Controls
Not all predatory insects will attack all varieties of leafhoppers, as they are not a species, but rather a "Category" The Praying Mantis and Lady Bugs probably attack the widest array.
Ladybug Lures Keeps trapped ladybugs alive in the trap for release in the garden. Pheromone based Lure.
Methods of Suppression
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Control weeds to avoid breeding grounds, and wintering space.
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Follow Crop rotation guidelines
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For indoor plants and seedlings avoid putting susceptible plants close to windows, vents or doors, Bugs don't knock before they enter, if they did you probably wouldn't hear it anyway.
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Destroy & discard infected plant material
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