Leafhopper (likely a type of planthopper or similar Auchenorrhyncha)
Scientific Name: Unspecified (likely within Cicadellidae or similar Auchenorrhyncha family)
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha, likely Family: Cicadellidae or Fulgoridae (planthoppers)
Size: Typically small, ranging from 2 mm to 15 mm in length, depending on the species.
Natural Habitat
Found on various plants, including grasses, shrubs, trees, and agricultural crops. They are typically found in terrestrial environments where their host plants grow.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous. They feed on plant sap by piercing plant tissues with their needle-like mouthparts (stylets) and sucking out fluids from the phloem or xylem.
Behavior Patterns
Leafhoppers are known for their jumping ability, especially when disturbed. Many species are active during the day. Some species can transmit plant diseases as they feed, acting as vectors for viruses and other pathogens. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Many species of leafhoppers are considered agricultural pests, as their feeding can damage crops, stunt plant growth, and introduce plant diseases (e.g., aster yellows, curly top virus). Benefits: In some ecosystems, they can be part of the food chain, serving as food for birds, spiders, and other predatory insects. Some species might have minor roles in nutrient cycling.
Identified on: 9/25/2025