Invertebrates—Identifying Leafhoppers / Grape / Agriculture: Pest Management Guidelines / UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM)

Use the photos below to distinguish between grape leafhopper and variegated leafhoppers, and to identify leafhopper damage. Parasitism may result in economic control of grape leafhopper but is less likely if the variegated leafhopper is the key species. Names link to more information on identification and management.

Also look for evidence of egg parasitization by viewing photos of leafhopper predators and natural enemies.

Click on photos to enlarge
Variegated leafhopper	Grape leafhopper
Variegated leafhopper (first-instar nymph) Identification tip: Nymphs are almost transparent when they first emerge, except for a very slight yellowish coloration.	No photo available. The first-instar grape leafhopper is almost colorless, except for prominent red eyes.
Variegated leafhopper (third-instar nymph) Identification tip: When a nymph matures it becomes orange brown to yellow brown, in contrast to the nymph of the grape leafhopper which remains whitish.	Grape leafhopper (fifth-instar nymph) Identification tip: Nymphs of the grape leafhopper are white with pale-yellow markings.
Variegated leafhopper (adult) Identification tip: The adult is darker than the grape leafhopper adult and mottled brown, green, and white with a reddish tinge. It has white patches on the lower middle margin.	Grape leafhopper (adult) Identification tip: The adult grape leafhopper is light to pale yellow with more well-defined markings than the variegated leafhopper adult.
Leafhopper damage
Leafhoppers cause stippling or light-green spotting from feeding on leaf surface.	Heavier leafhopper feeding damage causes more intense stippling. Black sooty mold is growing on the leafhopper excrement (honeydew) on this leaf.

Text Updated: 07/16