In 2024, the corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), an invasive species in the United States, was reported in Missouri. This insect vectors pathogens associated with corn stunt disease, which can cause significant yield losses in corn. During 2025, corn leafhoppers were again detected in the state. Corn stunt was also confirmed in the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons.

With support from University of Missouri Extension field specialists, I have been monitoring corn leafhopper across Missouri during the 2026 growing season. As of today, June 3rd, 2026, no corn leafhoppers have been detected in the state. However, because the first detections in 2025 did not occur until late June and early July, it is still too early to determine whether populations will establish again this season. Corn leafhoppers have been reported in Texas, demonstrating that the insect remains active in the southern United States and reinforcing the importance of continued monitoring of corn fields in Missouri.

Although corn leafhoppers have not yet been observed in Missouri this year, we have encountered aster leafhoppers, Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), a native species to North America. Aster leafhoppers are common in Missouri corn fields, and they do not vector corn stunt pathogens. 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 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).

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)

No economic threshold has been established for corn leafhopper in the United States. Management efforts should focus on reducing vector populations and minimizing pathogen transmission during corn's most susceptible growth stages. Current recommendations suggest that insecticide applications may be warranted when corn leafhoppers are detected in fields prior to the R1 growth stage. More information on the biology and management of corn leafhoppers is available in the MU Extension publication G7109: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7109.

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. 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 at https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/plant-diagnostic-clinic.