In 2024, the corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), an invasive species in the United States, was reported in Missouri. This insect is known to vector pathogens that cause corn stunt disease, which can result in significant yield losses in corn. Following last year's detection, growers, crop consultants, and industry partners have been actively monitoring for the presence of corn leafhoppers during the summer of 2025.

With support from University of Missouri field specialists, I have been monitoring for corn leafhoppers across the state. As of June 10, 2025, no corn leafhoppers have been detected in Missouri this year. However, I have received several reports of leafhoppers in corn fields. Upon investigation, these have been identified as the aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), a native species to North America.

Accurate insect identification is essential for effective pest management. Adult corn leafhoppers are about 1/8 inch in length and vary from pale yellow to white. A key distinguishing feature is the presence of two dark spots located between the eyes, each with a white halo around it (Figure A). The head of the corn leafhopper has no additional facial markings. In contrast, while the aster leafhopper also has two black dots between the eyes, these lack the white or light/yellow halo. Additionally, the aster leafhopper exhibits facial markings (lines or spots), darker wing veins, and a generally darker abdomen (see Figure B). More information on the biology and management of corn leafhoppers can be found at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7109.

Corn leafhopper Two black dots between their eyes and no facial markings. (Photo: Ivair Valmorbida)

Aster leafhopper Tan body and presence of facial markings on the head. The aster leafhopper also has two black dots between the eyes. However, the light/white halos are not present. (Photo: Ivair Valmorbida)

MU Extension's pest monitoring website offers an alert system for corn leafhoppers and other pests. You can subscribe to mobile text alerts at https://ipm.missouri.edu/croppest/textAlert.cfm. For email alerts on other pests such as black cutworm, true armyworm, Japanese beetle, corn earworm, fall armyworm, and brown marmorated stink bug at https://ipm.missouri.edu/subscribe/. There is also a free, interactive, live map that tracks corn leafhoppers in the United States: https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/maps/corn-leafhopper. If you believe that you have a corn leafhopper and want to confirm the species, you can collect the insects and submit them to the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic.