Rice Zigzag Leafhopper (Recilia dorsalis)

A Tiny Vector with a Big Impact on Rice Fields

The Rice Zigzag Leafhopper, scientifically known as Recilia dorsalis (Motchulsky), is a small but significant pest in Southeast Asian rice fields. This insect not only feeds on rice plant sap, weakening crops, but also acts as a carrier of serious plant viruses—making it a silent threat that farmers must take seriously.

Basic Information

• Common Name: Rice Zigzag Leafhopper
• Scientific Name:Recilia dorsalis (Motchulsky)
• Family: Cicadellidae
• Order: Hemiptera

Morphology & Biology

Wings:

• Forewings (Hemelytra): Hardened at the base, transparent at the tips
• Hindwings: Thin, membranous

Although similar in behavior to the green leafhopper, Recilia dorsalis is smaller and easily identified by the zigzag markings on its wings.

Life Cycle

This species undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, consisting of:

Egg Stage

• Laid along the midrib of plant leaves
• 100–200 eggs per female
• Incubation period: 4–5 days

Nymph Stage

• Undergoes 4 molts
• Duration: 11–19 days

Adult Stage

• Average lifespan: 10–14 days
• Full life cycle: About 1 month

Host Plants

Recilia dorsalis feeds on plant sap from various families, including:

• Malvaceae: e.g., Roselle
• Solanaceae: e.g., Potato
• Poaceae: e.g., Rice
• Fabaceae: e.g., Soybean

Damage and Disease Transmission

Both nymphs and adults suck sap from rice leaves and sheaths, weakening the plants and stunting growth. More critically, this leafhopper is a vector for two major plant viruses:

• Yellow Orange Leaf Virus (YOLV)
• Gall Dwarf Virus (GDV)

These viruses cause serious deformities in rice plants and directly affect yield and quality.

Distribution

This pest is widely distributed across Asia—from India to Australia, including Japan, Thailand, and other countries in Southeast Asia.

Control and Management

1. Effective Use of Insecticides

Synthetic Pyrethroids:

• Permethrin: 10 mL per 20 L water
• Lambda-cyhalothrin: 7 mL per 20 L water
• Cyfluthrin: 4 mL per 20 L water
• Deltamethrin: 10 mL per 20 L water
• Cypermethrin: 10 mL per 20 L water

Rotate insecticides regularly to prevent resistance.

2. Post-Harvest Pruning

Trimming or cutting plant residues after harvest helps eliminate hiding places and improves the effectiveness of chemical applications.

3. Light Traps

In cases of severe infestation, use light traps to attract and eliminate adult leafhoppers.

Conclusion

Although small, the Rice Zigzag Leafhopper can cause severe crop damage if not managed early. A deep understanding of its biology and life cycle, combined with targeted control measures, can help farmers minimize losses and maintain rice quality sustainably.