Potato Leafhopper vs Triatoma gerstaeckeri
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Potato Leafhopper | Triatoma gerstaeckeri |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Empoasca fabae | Triatoma gerstaeckeri |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadellidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 3-3.5 mm | 20-26 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Texas, Northern Mexico |
| 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.
Triatoma gerstaeckeri
The most common kissing bug in Texas, frequently found infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. It inhabits woodrat nests and readily enters peridomestic structures.
Did You Know?
Over 50% of individuals collected in Texas have been found naturally infected with the Chagas disease parasite.