Mango Leafhopper (Idioscopus spp.)

A Silent Threat to Mango Blossoms and Yields

Mango—Thailand’s iconic fruit and a global agricultural export—faces a surprisingly destructive yet often underestimated pest: the Mango Leafhopper. Though tiny, this insect poses a significant threat during the flowering season. If not properly controlled early on, it can cause massive flower drop, leading to severely reduced fruit yields.

Basic Information

• Common Name: Mango Leafhopper
• Scientific Names: Idioscopus clypealis (Lethierry), Idioscopus niveosparsus (Lethierry)
• Family: Cicadellidae
• Order: Hemiptera

Morphology & Biology

Distinct Features:

• Large head
• Slender, wedge-shaped body
• Greyish-black or brownish-grey color

Wings:

• Forewings: Hemelytra (hardened base, transparent tips)
• Hindwings: Thin and membranous

Behavior:

• Found in large groups
• Produce audible sounds when disturbed

Life Cycle (Incomplete Metamorphosis)

Egg Stage

• Laid on flower stalks or young leaves
• Hatching time: 7–10 days

Nymph Stage

• Undergoes 4 molts
• Duration: 17–19 days

Adult Stage

• Lifespan: 15–19 days
• Capable of mating and starting the next generation

Host Plants & Crop Damage

• Primary Host: Mango (Mangifera indica)
• Other Hosts: Various species in the Anacardiaceae family

Destructive Behavior:

• Feeds on young leaves, buds, flower clusters, and flower stalks
• Causes wilting of blossoms, flower drop, and poor fruit set
• Leads to significant yield loss, especially during early flowering

Geographic Distribution

Widely found across Southeast Asia, including:

• Thailand
• India
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Malaysia

Outbreaks are most common from late winter to early summer, coinciding with mango flowering.

Control & Management Strategies

Targeted Insecticide Application

For Early Infestation: Carbaryl (Sevin 85% WP)
For Severe Infestation:
Synthetic Pyrethroids:

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

Guidelines:

• Spray in the evening
• Avoid repeated use of the same chemical group more than twice to prevent resistance

Post-Harvest Pruning

• Reduces hiding spots for leafhoppers
• Enhances spray efficiency in the following season

Light Traps

• Effective during nighttime outbreaks
• Use in combination with physical traps or manual collection methods

Conclusion

Although small, the Mango Leafhopper can inflict severe damage on mango crops if left unmanaged. Early monitoring and intervention during the flowering stage is crucial. Understanding the pest’s life cycle and implementing integrated control measures can protect your orchard and secure a healthy, high-quality mango yield.