Citrus Flatid Planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The Citrus Flatid Planthopper is a small, frosty-gray planthopper native to North America, often seen lined up on twigs in summer near the fluffy white wax of its young. It feeds on a huge range of trees, shrubs, and vines but rarely does serious harm in the US, though it has become a major pest in Europe and South Korea. It is also called the frosted flatid planthopper.

Appearance

Appearance: Adults are wedge-shaped, about 1/4–1/3 inch (5.5–8 mm) long, and brown to gray depending on how much bluish-white waxy powder covers them, with a pair of small dark spots near the base of each front wing.

Look-alikes

MealybugsPseudococcidae

The planthopper's white wax hides active nymphs that jump away when poked. Mealybugs are slow-moving and do not jump.

Why they get mixed upBoth leave cottony white masses on stems.

Cottony cushion scaleIcerya purchasi

Look under the wax: planthopper nymphs are flat, pale green insects that jump, while the scale stays put on the stem.

Why they get mixed upIts fluffy white egg sacs look like the planthopper nymphs' wax.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Gardens and yards
Woodland edges
Orchards
Shrubby landscapes
Range: Common in eastern North America, from southeastern Canada to Florida and west to the Great Plains, with records as far west as California and south into Mexico. It is also widespread in Cuba.
Preferred conditions: Lives on many woody plants, including forest and fruit trees, grapes and other vines, and ornamental and native shrubs.
When to see it: In Florida
Active Apr–Oct

Behavior

Diet: Nymphs and adults suck sap from stems and leaves.
Social life: Usually seen in groups on twigs. Nymphs can jump 12–18 inches when disturbed.
Overwintering: Females insert eggs into the bark of the current year's growth in late summer and early fall, and the eggs spend the winter there. There is one generation a year.

Life cycle

Larva: Nymphs hatch in spring and early summer. They are pale green, flat, and wrapped in thick, fluffy white wax. In North Carolina they reach adulthood a little over five months after the egg is laid; in Florida, nymphs are seen April–June and adults May–October.

Growing it

Care: Damage in US landscapes is usually minor. A stream of water from a garden hose knocks nymphs and adults off shrubs.
Toxicity: Harmless to people. Its sticky and wax can make plants look messy, and may grow on the honeydew.