Grape IPM Program: Leafhopper Natural Enemies

Leafhopper Natural Enemies

When sampling for leafhoppers examine leaves with a hand lens for the presence of parasitized eggs. Look for predators, too. Names link to more information on identification and biology.

Click on photos to enlarge

Parasitic wasp, Anagrus spp.: Look for parasitization in grape leafhopper eggs.

Nonparasitized grape leafhopper egg inserted into leaf tissue appears translucent-white.

Adult female wasp, Anagrus spp., is a parasite of leafhopper eggs.

Parasitized grape leafhopper egg. Eggs parasitized by Anagrus spp. turn red.

Anagrus spp. emerges from an egg (right—see emergence hole); nonparasitized egg (left).

More leafhopper natural enemies

Convergent lady beetle (larva)
Identification tip: Larvae are elongate with long legs, and resemble tiny alligators.

Convergent ladybeetle (adult)
Identification tip: Adults have orange to red forewings and black spots (or no spots). The black thorax has two converging white lines and a white margin.

Minute pirate bugs
Identification tip: Adults are small, about 1/12 to 1/5 inch long, oval, black, or purplish with white markings, and have a triangular head.

Green lacewing (larva)
Identification tip: The larva is pale with dark markings and looks like a tiny alligator.

A predaceous mite
Identification tip: Anystis agilis is an orange mite with hairs.

Spiders

Agrarian sac spider
Identification tip: This spider has a pale, yellow to greenish body with a dark-brown to black carapace and dark legs (most common spider in San Joaquin Valley vineyards).

Here it wraps up a variegated leafhopper.

Funnel weaver spider
Identification tip: This spider has a dark-gray band on each side of its abdomen.

Diurnal cobweb weaver (comb-footed spider)
Identification tip: Look for this spider on the underside of leaves waiting for prey, such as leafhoppers.

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