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The Benefits of Leafhopper Insects

There are more species of leafhopper than the combined species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the world. Leafhoppers survive by sucking the sap from the vascular system of plants. It is a common garden insect found in most parts of the world. Although the disadvantages of the insect far outweigh the benefits, leafhoppers still have their own purpose.

Identification
- Leafhoppers range in size from 1/8 to 1/2 inch in length. Different species come in a variety of yellow, brown, green or gray shades. Adult insects are wedge-shaped and have a distinctive forward-point on their heads. Some species have vibrant bands across the length of their wings. Nymphs are similar to adults but are identified by their lack of wings. Young leafhoppers also jump rapidly when disturbed, while adults are able to jump and fly off to escape.
Food Source
- The only tangible benefit of leafhoppers is that they are a popular and abundant food source for other forms of wildlife. For example, birds, lizards, large insects, spiders, wasps and other predators eat leafhoppers. In this sense, leafhoppers play a vital function in the food chain and enable other species to exist. However, leafhoppers eat by sucking the sap out of plants; this can damage the plant and spread disease. The plant can become distorted; the leaves can curl, turn yellow and get white splotches or even die as a result of the leafhopper's toxic saliva.
Symbiotic Relationship with Plants
- Leafhoppers have a symbiotic relationship with plants, which means that to survive leafhoppers have a close interactive relationship with plants. To reproduce, the leafhopper inserts its larvae, or eggs, into the stem, veins of leaves or shoots of the plant. This is detrimental to the plant's health because once the nymphs hatch, they feed on the plant and cause damage. The injured plant then experiences what is known as "tip-burn" or "hopperburn," which is the characteristic discolored leaves the leafhopper creates.
Damage to Crops
- Potato leafhoppers are particularly prevalent and problematic for farmers. This type of leafhopper thrives on alfalfa, as well as on apple, birch, chestnut and maple trees. Vegetable and fruit trees are good sources of food and provide a suitable habitat for the leafhopper. Consequently, farmers can experience extensive crop damage due to this pest. The leafhopper does not add any benefit to the crop but actually causes the leaves to bleach. In serious cases, farmers apply an insecticide to their crop to kill the leafhoppers.

Insects & Science