Treehoppers (Buffalo)
Characteristics:
- Eggs: Females lay eggs masses under the bark of trees in early fall. The eggs hatch in spring.
- Nymphs: Nymphs are green and very spiny. They drop to the ground and feed on weeds and grasses until they reach maturity in August.
- Adults: Adult treehoppers are strange looking creatures; some resemble miniature dinosaurs; others resemble bumps or thorns. After mating, females fly to trees to lay their eggs and remain there until cold temperatures kill them.
Identifying infestations:
- Weakened plants: Plants may appear weakened since treehoppers feed by inserting their sharp, needle-like mouthparts into plant tissues and sipping cell fluids.
IPM Toolkit:
- Preventive tools:
- Remove excess green organic matter (weeds and grasses) where nymphs feed.
- Physical tools: Not applicable.
- Biological tools: Not applicable.
- Least toxic chemical tools:
- Apply Pyrethrum and/or Rotenone according to label directions to control large infestations.