Leafhoppers belong to the family Cicadellidae and are very small insects that feed on plant sap. They can be found on nearly all types of plants worldwide. Understanding their appearance requires focusing on both the mature insect and its juvenile stages, as they present distinct differences. This guide details the specific characteristics that can help distinguish a leafhopper from other small insects.
Defining Characteristics of the Adult Leafhopper
The adult leafhopper measures between 1/8 and 1/2 inch in length. Its body is characteristically wedge-shaped, appearing long and slender, with the posterior end tapering to a point. When viewed from the side, the body often has a somewhat triangular cross-section due to the way the wings are held over the back.
The head is broad and short, frequently appearing wider than the rest of the body, and often possesses an angular or slightly pointed shape at the front. Their hind legs are lined with one or more rows of prominent spines or hairs along the entire length of the tibia. These specialized legs are the mechanism behind the insect’s namesake ability to jump impressive distances when disturbed.
Coloration and Wing Structure
Leafhoppers exhibit a variety of colors and patterns. Many are camouflaged in shades of green, yellow, tan, or brown to blend with their host plants, but others display vivid stripes or mottled patterns. For instance, some sharpshooter species feature bright combinations of blue, red, or orange.
The adult insect possesses two pairs of wings. The forewings are slightly thickened and held in a distinctive, tent-like fashion over the abdomen when the insect is at rest. The wings are often translucent or transparent and feature specific vein patterns. This tented wing position is a reliable visual cue for identification when observing the insect stationary on a leaf surface.
Identifying Leafhopper Nymphs
Leafhoppers undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Their juvenile forms, called nymphs, resemble miniature versions of the adults but lack fully developed wings. Nymphs develop through five stages, or instars, before reaching maturity. In the later stages, small, developing wing pads become visible on their thorax.
Nymphs often have a lighter coloration than the adults, typically pale yellow-green. A key behavioral trait is their movement: while they can hop, nymphs frequently walk or run rapidly, often moving sideways across the leaf surface. As they grow, they shed their skin, leaving behind whitish, shed exoskeletons on the undersides of leaves, which is a common sign of leafhopper presence.