Swede Midge vs Potato Leafhopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swede Midge Potato Leafhopper
Scientific Name Contarinia nasturtii Empoasca fabae
Order Diptera Hemiptera
Family Cecidomyiidae Cicadellidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 3-3.5 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Herbivores
Regions Europe, North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Swede Midge

A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.

💡

Did You Know?

It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.

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.