Invasive Insect: Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper

The two-spotted cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula (Ashida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae),  is a newly invasive pest of concern in the United States. With a broad host range and the ability to cause significant foliar injury, this species poses risks to both agricultural crops and ornamental plants. Although well documented in other regions of the world, its biology and behavior under U.S. conditions are still being investigated. Early detection and integrated management are essential to limit the establishment and spread.

Origin and Current Distribution

This leafhopper is native to Asia, ranging from Iran to Japan, as well as parts of Oceania. It has become established as an invasive species in Africa and is now spreading within the United States. The first U.S. detection occurred in Puerto Rico in 2023, followed by the first continental U.S. detection in December 2024 in Miami-Dade County, Florida, on cotton.

By August 2025, the pest had been confirmed in 101 counties across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama, with additional detections in Texas, Louisiana (on ornamental plants only), Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This rapid expansion underscores the need for continued surveillance and accurate identification.

Host Plants

Primary hosts known to support full development include cotton, cucumber, eggplant, grapevine, gourds, okra, potatoes, sesame, sunflower, tropical hibiscus, and watermelon. Incidental hosts—plants that may not support full development—include basil, cilantro, croton, marigold, pepper, poinsettia, rose, and tomato. However, not all potential hosts are currently known, especially within the United States, and the host range may expand as the pest continues to establish itself.

Biology and Life Cycle

The current understanding of this species’ biology is largely based on international literature, with U.S. studies still underway. It can complete up to 11 generations per year, depending on temperature and humidity, with development from egg to adult taking 15–46 days. Females insert their eggs into the leaf midrib and lay approximately 20–25 eggs per season. Nymphs progress through five instars in 8–11 days, and adults live for about 2–3 weeks. Because generations overlap, multiple life stages are often found on the same leaf. Optimal development occurs around 78.8°F (26°C) with 70% relative humidity and low rainfall.

Identification

Adult leafhoppers are light green and measure 2–3 mm in length, similar in size to the potato leafhopper. A key diagnostic feature is the presence of two distinct dark spots on the wings; however, newly emerged adults may lack these markings, so careful identification is essential.

Nymphs are pale green, wedge-shaped, and wingless. They are very active and are typically found on the undersides of leaves, where they feed and develop through multiple instars.

Damage Symptoms

Symptom progression typically begins with yellowing along the leaf margins, followed by the development of browning and necrotic areas. As feeding continues, leaves may curl and become distorted, and prolonged injury can result in a decline in overall plant vigor. In high populations, leafhoppers may be present on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces.

Pathways of Spread

This species spreads through several pathways. Long-distance dispersal can occur when storm systems carry adults over large geographic areas. Movement of plant material—particularly ornamentals and vegetable transplants—also contributes significantly to its spread. At the local scale, the leafhopper readily migrates within and between fields, allowing populations to build and expand quickly.

Management

Because this is a recent invasive species, research on effective IPM strategies is ongoing. Recommendations below are based on early observations and experience with related leafhopper species.

Best Practices

Best practices for reducing the risk of leafhopper introduction and establishment include purchasing plants from reputable nurseries, carefully inspecting all incoming plant material for signs of leafhopper activity, and implementing preventive measures in areas where detections have occurred. These steps help limit accidental movement and support early detection.

Biological Control

Biological control can contribute to leafhopper management, particularly when integrated with good cultural practices and consistent monitoring. Several commercially available beneficial insects may help suppress populations, including green lacewings—whose adults and larvae feed on both adults and nymphs—and minute pirate bugs (Orius spp.), which are effective predators of nymphal stages.

Monitoring and Scouting

Monitoring and scouting are essential for timely and effective management decisions. Yellow sticky cards, placed at a rate of one per 1,000 square feet, can help detect the presence of adults, while direct inspections of the undersides of leaves allow for identification of eggs, nymphs, and adults. Beat sheet sampling can also be useful in production settings. Identification should always be confirmed using reliable resources or by consulting your local Extension office.

Chemical Control

The following results reflect laboratory testing conducted by Dr. Revynthi’s laboratory (University of Florida; De Giosa et al. 2025, unpublished). Tests were performed on adults only and under laboratory—not field—conditions. Applicators must follow all label restrictions.

G = greenhouse; N = nursery; L = landscape; I = interior; S = shadehouse.

Important Considerations

• Always remember that the pesticide label is the law—follow all instructions regarding required PPE, approved crops, application intervals, and reentry restrictions.
• To reduce the risk of resistance development, rotate pesticides among different IRAC groups.
• For long-term success, incorporate multiple strategies—including cultural, biological, and chemical tools—to support a strong and effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

Reporting two-spotted cotton leafhopper

Contact Dr. Patricia Prade at prade@psu.edu

Visit a Penn State Extension office close to you.

Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at badbug@pa.gov or 866-253-7189.

References and Resources

Brewer, C., Joseph, S.V., Revynthi, A.M., 2025. Understanding and Managing the Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper. Horticultural Research Institute Webinar. 

Esquivel, I.L., et al. 2025. First Report of Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) on Commercial Cotton in the Southeastern United States. Insects 16(9):966. 

Joseph, S.V. 2025. Pest alert: Cotton Jassid or Two-spot cotton leafhopper on hibiscus in ornamental nurseries. 

Liburd, O., Halbert, S.E., Samuel, N., Dreves, A.J. 2024. Two-spot cotton leafhopper, Hemiptera: Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae, Empoascini; Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) – A serious pest of cotton, okra and eggplant that has become established in the Caribbean Basin (PDF). 

Revynthi, A.M., Liu, Q. 2025. The two-spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula): a new invasive pest in Florida (PDF). 

University of Florida resources