Leafhoppers

Scientific name: Austroasca viridigrisea

Description

Leafhoppers or Jassids are sap sucking insects that also inject a toxin when feeding into plant tissue. This results in fine dots or spotting that are white for vegetable Jassids. Adults are usually 3mm in length and have a slight bluish-green appearance. They have broad head and tapering body almost like a triangle shape, with clear wings that extend beyond the abdomen. They have eyes that are separated and small antennae. The nymphs are very similar to the adults but are wingless. Jassids are common pests to a range of vegetables including carrots, brassicas, leafy vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes and capsicums.