potato leafhopper

insect

Also known as: Empoasca fabae

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) is a small, green insect found in the eastern and southern United States that is a significant pest for many cultivated plants, particularly potatoes. Leafhoppers belong to the family Cicadellidae and are known for their sap-sucking feeding habits.12

While a single leafhopper may not cause substantial damage, large populations can be economically damaging to crops. The potato leafhopper's feeding can cause "hopper burn," a condition where leaf cells are damaged, leading to yellowing, browning, and eventual death of the leaves, potentially causing complete crop loss. These insects can also transmit plant diseases.2

Leafhoppers undergo gradual metamorphosis, with five nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Some species overwinter as eggs, while others, like the potato leafhopper, may overwinter as adults in warmer climates.23

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leafhopper
Major species
The potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) is a destructive potato pest that causes that plant’s leaves to turn brown and curl; the insect plugs the plant’s xylem and phloem vessels, thus interfering with the transportation of food products. Adult potato leafhoppers are green with white spots on…
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The potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) is a destructive potato pest that causes that plant’s leaves to turn brown and curl; the insect plugs the plant’s xylem and phloem vessels, thus interfering with the transportation of food products. Adult potato leafhoppers are green with white spots on…
Read More

homopteran
Importance
…leaves occur when the leafhopper Empoasca fabae punctures the undersurfaces of leaves and veins of bush beans and inhibits growth. This leafhopper also feeds on alfalfa and causes leaves to turn yellow and drop off. In the same way, aphids and mealybugs cause leaf curling on potatoes and many ornamental…
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…leaves occur when the leafhopper Empoasca fabae punctures the undersurfaces of leaves and veins of bush beans and inhibits growth. This leafhopper also feeds on alfalfa and causes leaves to turn yellow and drop off. In the same way, aphids and mealybugs cause leaf curling on potatoes and many ornamental…
Read More