Tree Fruit Insect Pest - Buffalo Treehopper

Description and life cycle

The buffalo treehopper adult is green, 3∕8 inch long, triangle-shaped when viewed from above and hump-backed when viewed from the side. The nymphs are spiny. Females lay eggs from July until October in the bark of the upper sides of small branches of apple, pear, cherry, prune, and quince trees. A row of slits is cut along the branch, and six to twelve eggs are laid in each slit. The slits heal and gradually enlarge, giving the branch a rough and scabby appearance.

Damage to young trees

Young trees may be significantly damaged by heavy infestations because severe scarring can stunt and weaken limbs. In May or June the overwintered eggs hatch and the nymphs move to nearby grasses and weeds. Weedy orchards or those near weedy fields are most often affected.

Monitoring and management

Young trees should be checked for the presence of scarring in autumn or winter. Severely scarred branches should be pruned out. Controlling weeds should reduce alternate feeding sites. Since the egg-laying period lasts several months, insecticide spray timing is difficult. Insecticides should be used only if economic damage is occurring to young trees beyond the control ability of winter pruning.