CLOVER LEAFHOPPER AND ITS CONTROL. 5 
HABITS OF THE ADULT AND YOUNG LEAFHOPPERS. 
The adults are quick of movement and jump from plant to plant 
when disturbed. When strong winds prevail they remain in hiding, 
as they seem to dishke windy weather. Their most characteristic 
habit is that of congregating in great numbers on one plant, fre- 
quently to such an extent that they crowd one another. This is what 
causes the concentrated attacks in “spots” throughout a field. The 
clover leafhopper does not seem to seek shady or damp places, rather 
preferring the heat of the midday sun. 
The nymphs are much less active than the adults and are not easily 
disturbed. When one brushes against the plants they cling fast to the 
stems and leaves instead of jumping to another plant. Like the 
adults, they have the habit of crowding together along a stem or upon 
a leaf. 
ENEMIES OF THE LEAFHOPPER. 
The insect enemies of the clover leafhopper seem to be few. Birds 
appear to be the most important enemies, and among the common 
species known to eat various species of leafhoppers in numbers are the 
nuthatches, yellow warbler, blue-headed vireo, long-billed marsh’ 
wren, nighthawk, phoebe, tree swallow, cliff swallow, bank swallow, 
and chickadee. In addition to these, over a hundred species of wild 
birds are known to feed upon leafhoppers. These birds should 
receive protection at the hands of the farmer. Chickens, turkeys, and 
guinea fowl, when allowed to run in the clover and alfalfa fields, eat 
great numbers of both nymphs and adults. Many adults have been 
observed in spider webs, and it is very likely that in their jumping 
from plant to plant numbers are caught in the webs. 
CONTROL OF THE LEAFHOPPER. 
BURNING OF RUBBISH AND WASTE VEGETATION. 
The burning of rubbish and vegetation during the winter months. 
in waste places such as on ditch banks, on terraces used in certain sec- 
tions for the prevention of erosion, and along fence rows and road- 
sides will do much to prevent the species from becoming destructive 
the following spring and summer, for if this is done, their winter 
quarters will be destroyed and great numbers of the leafhoppers, as 
well as many other hibernating insects, will be killed. 
CLOSE CUTTING OR PASTURING OF GRASSLANDS; EARLY CUTTING OF ALFALFA. 
Close cutting or pasturing of grasslands is recommended while 
the leafhopper is in the adult stage. Cutting the alfalfa crop from a 
week to ten days earlier than usual will often have the desired effect 
of checking the species, and is advised where there is evidence that 
the leafhoppers are causing sufficient injury to justify the risk of 
damage through premature cutting. 
