In French : Cicadelle blanche
Leafhoppers are small insects (a few millimetres to 1,3 cm long for the largest species), of whitish, brown, beige or green colour according to the species, belonging to the order of the Hemiptera. Able to jump or fly, especially when disturbed, they are sometimes confused with whiteflies (this is particularly the case for white leafhoppers). Adults and larvae prick the leaves or stems of plants in order to pump the sap, such as the cicada or the aphid (whose leafhopper is a close cousin). More than 400 plants may be affected by this parasite (many herbaceous or woody plants, except softwood).
Means of struggle
Leafhoppers can be controlled by spraying with pyrethrum, neem oil, black soap or kaolinite (clay) solution. Biological control of the species Metcalfa pruinosa involves a small hymenoptera, Neodryinus typhlocybae, which destroys the larvae (it feeds and lays its eggs). This exclusive natural predator of the white leafhopper was absent in Europe when the white leafhopper first appeared, which explains the rapid progression of the parasite.
The best recipe is to dilute in 1 litre of water, 1 teaspoon of liquid black soap, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of alcohol at 90°.
You spray this solution once a day for 3-4 days.