Potato Leafhopper vs Elm Seed Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Potato Leafhopper | Elm Seed Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Empoasca fabae | Arocatus melanocephalus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadellidae | Lygaeidae |
| Size | 3-3.5 mm | 6-7 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe (native), Northwestern North America (invasive) |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Potato Leafhopper
A small bright green leafhopper that causes hopperburn on potato, bean, and alfalfa leaves. It migrates northward each spring on storm fronts from the Gulf states.
Did You Know?
It runs sideways when disturbed, a distinctive behavior that helps distinguish it from other leafhoppers.
Elm Seed Bug
A small seed bug native to southern Europe that has become an invasive nuisance pest in the northwestern United States. It aggregates in enormous numbers on and inside buildings in summer and fall.
Did You Know?
Thousands can invade a single home seeking shelter, producing a foul odor when disturbed or crushed.