436 ReEporT OF THE HORTICULTURIST OF THE 
little leaf hoppers are often erroneously called thrips. They jump 
quickly when disturbed. 
Description.— The adult insects measure about one-eighth of 
an inch in length. They vary greatly in color, but the prevailing 
color is usually hght yellowish green. The back and wings are 
ornamented with bright red, yellow and brown. They are found 
upon the vines from spring until fall. They feed together, suck- 
ing the sap from the leaves, principally from the under surface, 
causing them to turn brown in patches. Writers disagree as to 
the egg-laying habits of this species. ‘The young resemble the 
adults in form, but are not provided with wings and are green or 
yellowish green in color. There are several broods during the 
season. Some of the adults of the last brood hibernate in any 
convenient rubbish about the vineyard. 
Treatment.— The vineyards should be kept free from rubbish. 
Much good may be done by thoroughly spraying the vines with 
kerosene emulsion, one part to from seven to ten parts of water, or 
whale oil soap, one pound to seven gallons of water. This is not 
entirely satisfactory as many of the leaf hoppers will fly before the 
insecticide reaches them, but some benefit is derived from the 
emulsion or soap solution that remains on the leaves as it un- 
doubtedly makes them offensive to the insects. 
A practical method of combating this insect is found in what 
is popularly known as the shield method. The shield consists of 
a frame with a cloth stretched over it and saturated with kerosene 
oil, with tar softened until it is very sticky or with some other 
sticky substance. When ready for use it is carried in a horizon- 
tal position between the rows. The vines are agitated at the 
same time and as the insects fly or jump into the air many of 
them will come in contact with the sticky surface where they 
soon die or are wet with kerosene which is fatal to them. This 
method should be used during the warm part of the day and 
should be continued every day until the insects are materially 
lessened in numbers. 
