The two‑spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula), an invasive pest native to the Indian subcontinent, has recently expanded into the southeastern United States (Figures 1 and 2). After initial detections in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in 2023, the pest was reported in Florida in 2024 and in Georgia in 2025. Now, it is confirmed across more than 100 counties in seven southeastern states. Its rapid spread reflects the ecological adaptability typical of invasive insects and raises concerns for Georgia’s high‑value ornamental industry, especially hibiscus.
(Photos: Shimat V. Joseph, University of Georgia)
Biology
The two-spot cotton leafhopper has three main life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults (Figure 2). Females lay approximately 15–21 eggs, which are inserted within the midrib and sometimes along the veins of the leaves. Within 20 days, eggs hatch at moderate temperatures (approximately 77–86 °F), although it may take longer at cooler temperatures. After hatching, first instars begin feeding immediately on the host plant.
The nymphal stage consists of five instars and typically lasts about 20 days, depending on temperature and host plant conditions. Newly emerged nymphs are small, pale, and highly active (Figure 2A). As they develop, they gradually become greenish and resemble miniature adults, although they lack fully developed wings. Nymphs undergo successive molts between each instar, shedding their exoskeleton (skin) to grow, with each molt generally occurring every 1–2 days under favorable conditions (around 77–86 °F). Both nymphs and adults possess piercing-sucking mouthparts and feed on plant sap, primarily from vascular tissues, which may cause leaf curling, yellowing, and reduced plant vigor.
Adults are small, wedge-shaped insects and are easily identified by two characteristic dark spots on their forewings (Figure 2). Under optimal environmental conditions, the entire life cycle can be completed within approximately 2–3 weeks, allowing multiple overlapping generations to develop during the growing season.
Damage
Both nymphs and adults feed using piercing–sucking mouthparts that disrupt leaf cells, causing marginal chlorosis (Figure 3A-E), leaf curling and cupping (Figure 3E), necrotic patches, and the characteristic hopper burn symptoms (Figure 3F). Feeding reduces photosynthesis and overall plant vigor. In ornamentals, even moderate injury can render plants unmarketable. Infested hibiscus plants have been documented in retail centers across Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, suggesting spread through plant movement. Unlike many leafhopper species, the two-spot cotton leafhopper is not known to transmit viral or mycoplasma diseases. Economic losses stem primarily from direct feeding injury, although the full impact on ornamental crops in the U.S. remains under investigation.
Host Range
Although the two-spot cotton leafhopper can be polyphagous, feeding on more than 25 plant species globally (including cotton, okra, eggplant, and sunflower), Hibiscus species, such as H. syriacus, H. rosa-sinensis, and many hybrids in Georgia, have been identified as particularly susceptible and require careful monitoring. Thus, malvaceous ornamental plants are particularly vulnerable to direct feeding damage. Plants in the Solanaceae, Asteraceae, and Cucurbitaceae should be closely monitored for signs of infestation.
Monitoring
Effective management of the two‑spot cotton leafhopper requires consistent and systematic scouting, particularly during warm months when populations increase rapidly. Growers should closely inspect young foliage and the undersides of leaves, where both nymphs and adults commonly aggregate. Early signs of hopper burn, characterized by marginal chlorosis and subtle leaf cupping, should be monitored carefully, as these symptoms often precede visible population outbreaks.
Yellow sticky cards placed in nursery blocks provide an additional tool for detecting adult activity and identifying new introductions (Figure 4). A sticky card can be placed in a 1,000-square-foot area. To prevent accidental spread through plant movement, incoming hibiscus and other Malvaceae ornamentals should be quarantined for 7–10 days and examined for hidden eggs or early instars. The beet sheet method can be used by gently shaking the plants with a wooden stick to dislodge leafhoppers onto a fabric sheet placed underneath the selected plants (Figure 5). Because ornamental crops must meet strict aesthetic standards, even low pest densities can compromise marketability; therefore, any detectable population warrants immediate intervention.
Management
Cultural Control
Cultural practices form the first line of defense against two-spot cotton leafhopper infestations. Regular removal of heavily infested leaves or entire plants can significantly reduce local populations and prevent rapid spread within nursery blocks. Spatial separation of highly susceptible species, such as Hibiscus spp., from areas with known infestations can further limit colonization and reduce the risk of severe damage.
Sanitation & Exclusion
Preventing the introduction of the two-spot cotton leafhopper into clean nursery areas is essential. Purchase plants from licensed nurseries that follow best management practices. Newly arrived plants should be quarantined and carefully inspected for adults or nymphs before being integrated into production blocks. Do not mix with potential hosts, such as other hibiscus species, in the nursery. Where feasible, the use of insect-screened structures or greenhouses can provide an additional barrier, particularly for high-value ornamentals or during peak leafhopper activity periods. Plants may come in clean, but eggs hatch ~7 d; thus, isolating the screened area is advised. The use of an effective insecticide (suggestions below) a day or two after arrival at the new facility is advised, as it can kill hatching nymphs on newly introduced plants.
Biological Control
Natural enemies can play an important role in suppressing two-spot cotton leafhopper populations, especially in outdoor or minimally managed nursery settings. Generalist predators such as lady beetles (Coccinellidae), lacewings (Chrysopidae), and predatory mirids (Miridae) may reduce nymph and adult densities, limiting feeding damage. Conserving these beneficial insects by minimizing broad-spectrum insecticide use and providing habitat refuges can enhance the efficacy of biological control.
Chemical Control
When cultural and biological approaches are insufficient, the use of insecticides may be necessary. Systemic insecticides, such as imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, or spirotetramat are effective against two-spot cotton leafhopper and can provide extended protection, particularly for immatures hidden within leaves. Contact insecticides like bifenthrin or lambda-cyhalothrin provide rapid knockdown but may require repeated applications and carry a higher risk of resistance. Less toxic options, including azadirachtin, horticultural oils, soaps, or spinosyns, are suitable for early infestations or for plants sensitive to phytotoxicity, especially in retail or display settings. Regardless of product choice, rotating modes of action is essential to prevent the development of resistance, and all applications should strictly adhere to label recommendations regarding dosage, pollinator safety, and potential phytotoxicity. Other effective insecticides include flupyradifluon (Altus), tolfenpyrad (Hatchi-Hatchi), isocycloseram (Vykenda), flonicamid (Aria), and sulfoxaflor + spinetoram (XXpire). Insect growth regulators, buprofezin (Talus), and novaluron (Pedestal) are also effective against the adult and nymphal stages of the two-spot cotton leafhopper.
Reference
- Attia S. & Joseph SV. 2026. Incidence of the Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Infesting Hibiscus syriacus in Ornamentals. Agronomy. 16(1), 32;https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010032
- Georgia Public Broadcasting. GA Okra and Cotton Under Threat from New Invasive Pest That’s Smaller than a Paperclip. 2025 Available online: https://www.gpb.org/news/2025/09/09/ga-okra-and-cotton-under-threat-new-invasive-pest-thats-smaller-paperclip (accessed on January 3, 2026).
- Jayasimha, G.T.; Rachana, R.R.; Manjunatha, M.; Rajkumar, V.B. Biology and seasonal incidence of leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) on okra. Pest Manag. Hortic. Ecosyst. 2012, 18, 149–157.
- Liburd, O.E.; Halbert, S.E.; Samuel, N.; Dreves, A.J. Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula): A Serious Pest of Cotton, Okra and Eggplant Established in the Caribbean Basin. Pest Alert2024 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, FDACS-P-02229. 2024. Available online: https://ccmedia.fdacs.gov/content/download/117692/file/two-spot-cotton-leaf-hopper-pest-alert.pdf (accessed on 10 October 2025).
- National Cotton Council of America. Cotton Jassid Alert Flyer. 2025. Available online: www.cotton.org (accessed on 11 November 2025).
- Pimentel, D.; Zuniga, R.; Morrison, D. Update on the environmental and economic costs associated with alien-invasive species in the United States. Ecol. Econ. 2005, 52, 273–288.
- Singh, A.; Singh, J.; Singh, K.; Rani, P. Host range and biology of Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Int. J. Environ. 2018, 8, 19–24.