Plant bugs & leafhoppers

Recognize the signs

Feeding injury

Stippling, distorted growth, fruit dimples or honeydew direct inspection but overlap with mites, disease and weather damage.

Useful evidence

Photograph the whole insect, legs, wings and plant. Nymphs can look unlike adults; host identity is especially useful for psyllids.

Differences that change the decision

A similar-looking organism can need a different response. Compare the evidence and what it changes.

Compare every column. On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways.

What else could it be?

Predatory bugs

Assassin bugs, minute pirate bugs and some stink bugs eat other insects; appearance alone may be misleading.

Compare beneficial insects ↗

Mites, thrips or root stress

Similar injury can come from very different causes.

Compare plant disease & stress ↗

Inspect the right places

1. Link insect to injury

   Inspect both leaf surfaces, young shoots and fruit. Compare a damaged plant with an undamaged one and look for fresh feeding, eggs and nymphs.

2. Record host and location

   For unusual psyllids or suspected vectors, record the plant name and exact location, and photograph before moving any plant material.

Choose a proportionate response

For pesticides, the local product label determines the allowed pest, site, precautions and timing. Check safety and regional guidance.

1. Use a plant-specific threshold

   Tolerate limited damage on vigorous ornamentals. Young vegetables, edible fruit and confirmed vectors have different consequences.

2. Remove a small confirmed colony

   Hand-remove reachable pest bugs or eggs without disturbing unidentified predators. Protect vulnerable crops with appropriate exclusion before insects enter; provide pollinator access when needed.

3. Route suspected vectors correctly

   Seek local extension or plant-health guidance for unexplained disease or unusual citrus pests. Pesticide use does not reliably prevent every insect-transmitted disease.

4. Manage a confirmed lace-bug colony proportionately

   For a small suitable shrub, water directed at leaf undersides can reduce exposed young lace bugs. Improve site-appropriate care and preserve predators. Where injury is recurrent, use local species timing to inspect young stages before new damage expands; old stippled leaves will not be repaired by pesticide.

Avoid these mistakes

• Do not spray for old fruit scars when no pest is present.
• Do not treat every red nymph or shield-shaped insect as harmful.
• Do not move suspect infested citrus or other regulated host material to get it identified without instructions.

Check whether it is working

Prevent a return

• Inspect new plants and protect susceptible seedlings where practical.
• Avoid excessive soft growth and preserve predators; follow local rules for moving plant material.

Common questions