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Identification

Adult leafhoppers are 1/8- to 1/4-inch-long (0.3- to 0.6-cm-long), wedge-shaped insects that jump short distances when disturbed. Adults may be speckled or mottled and vary in color from whitish-green to yellow or brownish-gray. Nymphs resemble adults but lack wings and move sideways or backwards when disturbed.

Hosts

All turfgrass species

Damage

Adults and nymphs suck juices from the leaves and stems of grasses, resulting in yellowing or bleaching of the leaves. Although leafhoppers are often present, they rarely cause serious damage to lawns.

Monitoring information

Look for bleached or dry areas and for small jumping or flying insects as you walk.

Management

Damage caused by leafhoppers rarely warrants treatment.