Empoasca

Walsh, 1862

Species Guides

Empoasca is a of leafhoppers ( Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) containing approximately 20 described . Several species are significant agricultural pests, most notably Empoasca fabae (potato leafhopper), which causes hopperburn injury to over 200 plant species including potatoes, alfalfa, and beans. Members of this genus are characterized by their small size, typically bright green coloration, and production of brochosomes—unique nanoparticles that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on their bodies. The genus has a wide distribution with some species showing strong migratory .

Empoasca by no rights reserved, uploaded by Adam Kranz. Used under a CC0 license.

Empoasca by (c) Cole Shoemaker, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cole Shoemaker. Used under a CC-BY license.

Empoasca fabae P1550790a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Empoasca: //ɛmˈpoʊ.æs.kə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Agricultural fields, crop systems, and natural vegetation. occupy diverse plant ranging from cultivated crops (potatoes, alfalfa, legumes) to wild plants including trees such as red maple.

Distribution

Widespread distribution with records from North America, Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Asia (Philippines, Japan, China), and other regions. Specific distribution varies by ; Empoasca fabae is native to North America with northward from Gulf States to the Midwest and eastern United States.

Seasonality

Activity patterns vary by and latitude. Empoasca fabae arrives in northern regions progressively earlier due to climate warming—currently averaging 10 days earlier than in the early 1950s. Multiple occur per year in temperate regions.

Diet

Phloem sap feeding on vascular plants. Feeding involves piercing plant tissues with specialized mouthparts to access sap and other liquids.

Life Cycle

Hemimetabolous development with : , nymph (five instars), and stages. Eggs are inserted into plant tissue. Multiple per year with typically occurring in southern regions for migratory .

Behavior

Production and application of brochosomes—nanoparticles manufactured in and spread across the body using comb-like hind leg spines, creating a superhydrophobic surface. Some migratory exhibit northward patterns.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pest causing direct plant damage through feeding and injection of salivary toxins that produce hopperburn (leaf yellowing, curling, drying, and tissue death). May contribute to plant transmission.

Human Relevance

Major economic impact through crop damage. Empoasca fabae alone causes millions of dollars in losses across the eastern United States, with documented yield losses up to $66/ha in alfalfa. Climate change is exacerbating pest pressure through earlier arrival dates and more severe in warm years.