Empoasca fabae
Homoptera: Cicadellidae
Identification
• Potato leafhoppers are lively, green insects that are wedge-shaped
and up to 1/8" long. (a)
Damage
• Leafhoppers suck sap from leaves, causing them to curl, turn yellow,
and then brown. (b)
• Heavily damaged leaves drop from the plant.
• Potato leafhoppers attack potato, eggplant, rhubarb, dahlia, and
rose.
• They also damage alfalfa, red maple, and other trees.
• Both nymphs and adults cause damage.
Management
• Plant potatoes early to avoid severe late-season injury.
• Insecticides available to homeowners are only marginally effective.
Other Information
• Potato leafhoppers migrate from the southern U.S. into the Midwest
each spring.
• They are strongly attracted to lights at night and commonly enter
homes through window screens.