Beet Leafhopper

Beet Leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus) Adult Beet Leafhoppers are about 3 mm long, wedge-shaped, and gray or greenish-yellow. Adults are often marked with black or brown areas on the forewings, head, and thorax. Nymphs resemble adults except in size and absence of wings. Nymphs become spotted with red and brown as they mature.

The beet leafhopper occurs throughout the western United States. Nymphs and adults suck plant juices from foliage of host plants causing leaves to turn brown and appear "burnt". This pest is the only vector of curly top virus disease on crops such as sugarbeets, beans, tomatoes, squash, spinach, melons, peppers, and other plants. This disease causes curling of the leaves which later become brittle. Plants are stunted and frequently die.

The beet leafhopper is attacked by several parasites and predators which help regulate the population in some areas. Elimination of weed hosts in waste areas can help reduce breeding areas of this pest.

For control products and more information please see our Leafhopper and Planthopper Control page.