Clover Leaf-hopper 



more robust form, slightly larger size and darker color. The two dark 

 spots on the head between the eyes serve to distinguish it from many 

 other small, grayish species with which it is often associated in clover 

 and alfalfa fields, where its greatest damage is done. 



NATURE OF INJURY 



Fields of sugar beets where this crop has followed alfalfa have been 

 seriously damaged in the early part of the season while the beets were 

 still small. The injury is most severe during dry, hot weather. 



The leaves of sugar beets attacked by this insect are covered with 

 light, grayish areas as a result of the punctures and irritation caused in 

 feeding. If the weather is dry and warm the plants show a very striking 

 lack of thrift and make very slow growth. An examination of such beets 

 will reveal the leaf-hoppers on the under side of the leaves, or during 

 bright sunny days they will be seen flying ahead of one walking through 

 the field. 



METHODS OF CONTROL 

 Clean Culture 



Keeping waste land free of rubbish by burning all dead vegetation 

 during the fall will prevent the adults from hibernating about fields. 

 Burning during the winter or early spring will destroy the hibernating 

 adults. 



DESCRIPTION 

 The Egg 



The eggs, which are white and very small, are placed in slits in the 

 host plants. These slits are made with the saw-like ovipositor of the 

 female. 



The Nymph 



The young or nymphs resemble the adults in form but lack the wings 

 of the latter. Their color is a creamy white with darker spots and bands. 



The Adult 



The adult leaf-hopper (Fig. 8, Plate VIII, Page 25) is of a light gray- 

 ish color with dark markings. The face is marked with short, dark 

 stripes and just between the eyes on the top of the head are two dark 

 spots. 



LIFE HISTORY 



The hibernating female places her eggs in the stems of plants in early 

 spring. These hatch in from five to twelve days during the warmer 

 months. 



The number of generations varies with the latitude and general 

 weather conditions. In the latitude of Denver there are at least two 

 and probably three each year. 



The nymph stage lasts from 20 to 30 days, with an average of about 

 25 days. The last generation hibernates during the winter at the base 

 of clumps of grass and about the roots of weeds or under rubbish lying 

 about fields and waste lands. 



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