*Leafhoppers * Plant-hoppers * Treehoppers

Leafhoppers are one of the most abundant groups of plant feeding insects. Leafhopper and plant-hopper species can be found worldwide. In fact, there are more species of leafhopper than all species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians combined! Leafhoppers are wedge shaped and green or brown in color. Some species are very tiny, and most of the destructive species are small. Leafhoppers feed by sucking the sap from host plant causing severe damage.

Hoppers are agile insects that can move with equal ease either forwards, backwards, or sideways like a crab. The crab-like motion distinguishes hoppers from most other insects. In addition, they can hop to escape danger or to move to another host plant.

The damage that results from feeding depends on the host plant and the specific hopper. Only a few species of hoppers transmit pathogens such as those that cause curly top virus and aster yellows. Adult hoppers are excellent short-distance jumpers when disturbed, and they can be pests when found in high numbers.

Dictyopharid Planthopper - Long Nosed Planthopper