Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 8061113

Potato Leafhopper

Empoasca fabae

Potato leafhoppers are migratory marvels that ride warm spring air currents northward from the Gulf of Mexico, colonizing farmlands across eastern and central North America each season. When feeding, they puncture plant vascular systems and inject a toxic saliva that induces hopperburn, a condition that yellows, curls, and stunts crop foliage. Although individually fragile and susceptible to early autumn frosts, several overlapping generations can swiftly build into devastating infestations.

MigratoryHerbivorousAgricultural Pest
Potato Leafhopper reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Alfalfa sap
  • Potato plant sap
  • Bean plant sap
Predators
  • Minute pirate bugs
  • Ladybugs
  • Lacewing larvae
ThreatsInsecticide applications, predatory insects, cold weather, and heavy rainfalls
HabitatsAgricultural fields, meadows, pastures, and orchards
Life span1–2 months
Classification
  1. OrderHemiptera
  2. FamilyCicadellidae
  3. GenusEmpoasca
  4. SpeciesEmpoasca fabae
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans and safe to observe up close.
Responsible observation
  • Sweep Netting: Sweep through dense clover or alfalfa stands with an insect net to capture flying adults.
  • Leaf Inspection: Look underneath curled or yellowing bean leaves to spot pale nymphs scurrying sideways.
Related species
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