Key Features
- Snowy white insects on stem
- Wool coated wingless insects
- Green leaf like insects
Symptoms
White or green leaf-like insects are present on stems in mid-summer. Immature stages are often coated with wax. adults and nymphs jump when disturbed. These insects feed on plant sap, but rarely if ever damage plants.
Biology
Planthoppers that attack plants will winter as eggs that hatch in spring. Immature stages can be covered with white waxy wool, that appears in tufts on stems of plants. Although many species are present, common species include the conehead planthopper (Acanalonia conica), snowy planthopper (Flatormensis proxima)). and citrus planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa). These species feed on a wide variety of plants.
Management Recommendations
No control is needed as these insects rarely damage plants. Insects can be dislodged with a garden hose. Insecticides labeled for other landscape pests can also kill these insects.
Effective Pesticides
Active Ingredients include: Acephate, Acetamiprid, Azadirachtin, Horticultural oils, Insecticidal soap (Potassium salt of fatty acid), Pyrethrin
Resources
- Not satisfied with ID? Contact the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab
- Sign Up for the Purdue Landscape Report
