PLANTHOPPERS
The
most common flatid planthopper in North Carolina is the citrus flatid planthopper.
The citrus flatid planthopper is dark bluish-black but has a white, waxy bloom
that makes the insect appear whitish or bluish-white. The eyes are red. The
length is about 1/4 inch. Other common related planthoppers are about the same
size but are a lovely pastel green. Flatid planthopper eggs are inserted
into the bark. No description is available. Flatid planthopper nymphs grow to
3/16 inch long. They are pale green with red eyes and covered by a thick, fluffy,
white, waxy secretion that also covers the stem in a sort of "nest." Nymphs
are wide and flat. They jump 12 to 18 inches when disturbed. Acanalonia conica
is our most common acanalonid planthopper. It is a lovely pastel green insect
about 1/4 inch long. The egg is Vienna-sausage shaped with a tiny curly projection.
Immature acanalonids are peculiar, gray insects that have wide thoraces and
very small abdomens.
Flatid planthoppers are usually not abundant enough to cause real damage to the health of ornamental plants. Their waxy secretions and honeydew disfigure plants and make them unpleasant to touch. Sooty molds may grow in the honeydew which further disfigures infested plants. Rarely are planthoppers abundant enough to kill twigs by their egg deposition under the bark.
Flatid planthoppers spend the winter as eggs under the bark of various shrubs and trees. Nymphs hatch from the eggs in spring and summer and feed on sap by sucking it through needlelike mouthparts inserted in the bark or leaf. As the nymph feeds, it secretes a white, fluffy wax which covers its body and the twig or leaf around it. Nymphs also excrete honeydew, a sweet, sticky liquid. Sooty molds often grow in the honeydew. Adults appear during the summer. Females lay eggs by inserting them into the bark. There is only one generation per year.
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| *acephate (Orthene) | 9.4 % emulsifiable concentrate |
| bifenthrin (Talstar) (*other pyrethrin formulations) | 10 % wettable powder |
| fluvalinate (Mavrik) | 23 % aquaeous flowable |
| *malathion (Cythion) | 56 % emulsifiable concentrate |
| *oils, horticultural (Supreme Spray, UltraFine, Volck, etc) | |
| *soap (Insecticide Conc., M-Pede) | 50.5 % emulsifiable concentrate |
* Suitable for home use.
Published by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance contact an agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in your county. © 2001 NC Cooperative Extension Service
Prepared by: Steve Bambara and James R. Baker, Extension Entomologists
ENT/ort-48 November 1994 (Revised) 2000.
Web page last reviewed January, 2011 by the webperson.
