Biology
Leafhoppers are sucking pests related to aphids. They can be quite colorful, but this is lost on their small size (up to about 1/4 inch). As implied by their name, these insects can jump and both nymphs and adults react quickly to disturbances. Leafhoppers are sap feeders on a wide variety of plants. Their feeding damage is characterized by a white to yellow stippling or flecking or small chlorotic rosettes on the upper surfaces of the leaves. Usually damage starts out and concentrates near the midrib of the leaf. In some plants such as maple, the leaves suffer a scorch-like condition where the leaves become parchment-like in texture particularly during drought years. This can happen even when only a few leafhoppers are present.
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