Leafhopper

Scientific Name: Cicadellidae (family)

Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cicadellidae

Size: 2 to 15 mm (0.08 to 0.6 inches)

Leafhopper

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed globally; found in gardens, meadows, forests, and agricultural lands wherever host plants are present.

Diet & Feeding

Leafhoppers feed on plant sap (xylem or phloem) by piercing plant tissues with specialized mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

They are known for their ability to jump quickly when disturbed. They communicate through substrate-borne vibrations and many species are attracted to lights at night.

Risks & Benefits

While harmless to humans, they are significant agricultural pests because they can transmit various plant pathogens (viruses and bacteria) and cause physical damage to crops.

Identified on: 5/31/2026