Leafhoppers belong to the family Cicadellidae within the insect order Hemiptera, which also includes cicadas and aphids. These minute, plant-feeding insects are found in nearly every habitat globally, with over 20,000 described species. They use specialized mouthparts to extract sap from grasses, shrubs, and trees. Despite their widespread presence, their typically small size causes them to be frequently overlooked by casual observers.
Overall Size and Body Structure
Adult leafhoppers are quite small, with most species measuring between 1/8 and 1/2 inch in length. Some larger species, often referred to as sharpshooters, can reach the upper end of this range. The body is slender and relatively long, characterized by a distinct, flattened wedge or boat-like shape when viewed from above. This form often appears somewhat triangular in cross-section.
The head of the adult leafhopper is frequently broad and is often noticeably wider than the thorax immediately behind it. They possess large, prominent compound eyes that afford them a wide field of vision. Depending on the species, the head structure may also be angular or acutely pointed.
Coloration and Wing Appearance
Leafhoppers exhibit a wide variety of colors and patterns across species, ranging from dull to vibrant. They are commonly found in shades of brown, gray, green, or yellow, often displaying mottled, striped, or spotted patterns that aid in camouflage. Some species are plain green to blend with foliage, while others, like the candy-striped leafhopper, are marked with bright, contrasting bands.
Adults possess two pairs of wings held in a distinctive “tent-like” manner over the abdomen when the insect is at rest. The outermost pair, known as the forewings, are slightly more leathery than the hind wings. Both pairs cover the insect’s back, contributing to the body’s characteristic tapered shape.
Distinctive Movement and Legs
The insect’s common name is derived from its characteristic escape behavior, which involves a powerful, rapid hop when disturbed. Leafhoppers also employ a unique method of walking, as both adults and nymphs frequently move rapidly sideways. This lateral movement, sometimes described as “crabwise,” allows them to quickly reposition or hide on the underside of a leaf.
Their powerful jumping ability is facilitated by specialized hind legs, which are typically noticeably longer than the other two pairs. A distinguishing feature for the entire family is the presence of one or more rows of prominent, rigid spines along the length of the hind tibiae. These spines provide the necessary traction and mechanical advantage for the powerful, simultaneous extension of the legs that launches the insect.
Identifying Nymphs (Juvenile Forms)
The immature stages, known as nymphs, generally resemble smaller versions of the adult leafhopper, but with specific visual differences. Nymphs hatch from eggs and develop through five progressively larger stages, or instars, before molting into the final adult form. Their body shape may appear more rounded or stubbier compared to the adult’s slender profile.
The most obvious distinguishing feature is the absence of fully developed wings. Instead of functional wings, later-stage nymphs exhibit small, visible wing pads on their backs that increase in size with each successive molt. Nymphs are often paler or translucent and may display a different base coloration than the adults of the same species.
Because they lack functional wings, nymphs are restricted to crawling and do not hop long distances, though they can still move rapidly and often sideways when agitated. They remain localized on the undersides of leaves or on new shoots where they feed. The presence of pale, whitish cast skins, which are the exoskeletons shed during molting, is a common sign indicating a population of nymphs.