Pyrilla perpusilla Walker

Taxonomic position

Insecta: Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoroidea: Lophophidae

Common name

Indian sugarcane leafhopper

Habitat / Crop(s) damaged

Sugarcane, wheat, maize, sorghum, pearl millet, rice, wild grasses, etc.

The adults and nymphs suck the sap from the undersurface of leaves near midrib, resulting in yellowing and in case of severe infestation, the leaves gradually turn pale and dry up. Sooty mould development on and blackening of leaves due to secretion of honeydew affects photosynthesis.

Pest status

Common throughout India, more serious in northern states (Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh) than in peninsular India.

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