Long-winged Planthopper (Proutista moesta) | Pest Threat to Rice Fields
Long-winged Planthopper (Proutista moesta)
A Tiny Insect with a Big Impact on Rice Fields
Despite its tiny size of just 3 millimeters, the Long-winged Planthopper (Proutista moesta, Westwood) is a pest that rice growers should never overlook. Both its nymph and adult stages can efficiently feed on plant sap, often weakening rice plants to the point of stunted growth and significant yield loss.
Meet the Long-winged Planthopper
- Common Name: Long-winged Planthopper
- Scientific Name: Proutista moesta (Westwood)
- Family: Derbidae
- Order: Hemiptera
Key Characteristics
Antennae: Hair-like, setaceous antennae resembling fine threadsWings:
- Forewings (hemelytra): Hardened at the base and transparent at the tips
- Hindwings: Delicate, clear, and membranous
- Mouthparts: Piercing-sucking type, used to extract sap from host plants
- Legs: The third pair of legs are adapted for jumping, allowing swift movement
- Adult Forms: Two wing types—long-winged and short-winged
- Behavior: Nocturnal and strongly attracted to light sources
Life Cycle
Proutista moesta undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, progressing from:
Egg → Nymph → Adult
There is no pupal stage. Adult insects typically live for about 10–15 days.
Host Plants & Damage
- Primary Hosts: Grasses (Family: Poaceae), especially rice
- Nymph Diet: Feeds on fungi in moist environments
- Damage: Both nymphs and adults feed on the sap near the base of rice plants just above water level. This weakens the plants and reduces crop productivity.
Distribution
This species is commonly found in tropical regions, including Thailand. It is especially prevalent in rice paddies during the rainy season when humidity is high.
Integrated Pest Management Strategies
1. Biological Control Using Entomopathogenic Fungi
These fungi infect and kill planthoppers, especially under humid conditions:
- Beauveria bassiana (white fungus)
- Metarhizium spp. (green fungus)
- Hirsutella citriformis
2. Light Traps
Since adult planthoppers are attracted to light, using light traps at night is an effective method to lure and eliminate them.
3. Careful Use of Chemical Insecticides
Effective insecticide groups include:
OrganophosphatesCarbamates
Neonicotinoids, such as:
- Dinotefuran (Starkle)
- Acetamiprid (Molan)
- Thiamethoxam (Actara)
- Clothianidin (Dantosu)
- Imidacloprid (Confidor, Provado)
- Thiacloprid (Calypso)
Caution:
Rotate insecticides with different modes of action to avoid resistance. Apply chemicals only when absolutely necessary and in accordance with integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
Conclusion
Though small in size, the Long-winged Planthopper can cause major damage to rice ecosystems. Understanding its biology, behavior, and life cycle is key to choosing the most effective control strategies—whether biological, mechanical, or chemical. Adopting a sustainable approach helps protect crop yields while maintaining ecological balance in the long run.-21.jpg)
Long-winged Planthopper (Proutista moesta) — 3 Quick FAQs
Q: 1 How do I tell Long-winged planthoppers from other rice hoppers at night (brown/green leafhoppers, etc.)?
A : Look for this combo: ultra-small (≈3 mm), hair-thin setaceous antennae, and two adult forms (long-winged and short-winged). They’re strongly attracted to lights and congregate near the plant base just above the water line. Forewings are firmer at the base and glassy at the tips; hindwings are clear and delicate. The third pair of legs is built for jumping. (Leafhoppers you may confuse them with are usually larger, bright green/brown, and sit higher up on leaves.)Q: 2 When do outbreaks happen and what field symptoms should I scout for?
A : Expect peaks in the rainy season and other humid periods. Check plants at dusk/night and early morning: nymphs and adults feed at the stem base above water, causing weak, stunted clumps and general vigor loss. You won’t see chewing; damage is from sap-sucking. Nymphs also associate with fungi in moist spots, so problem areas often overlap with persistently wet patches.Q: 3 What actually works to control them (without wrecking beneficials)?
A : Start with non-chemical tools, add chemistry only if needed.
- Biologicals (work best in humid fields): entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium spp., and Hirsutella citriformis.
- Light traps: run at night on field edges to intercept flying adults; position close to canopy/waterline where they aggregate.
- Insecticides (only when necessary & rotate MoA): organophosphates or carbamates, and neonicotinoids like dinotefuran (Starkle), acetamiprid (Molan), thiamethoxam (Actara), clothianidin (Dantosu), imidacloprid (Confidor/Provado), thiacloprid (Calypso). Rotate across different modes of action to slow resistance; follow label rates and protect natural enemies.
