{"id":1129,"date":"2026-06-02T09:26:05","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T13:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/?p=1129"},"modified":"2026-06-12T10:14:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T14:14:25","slug":"invasive-brown-winged-planthopper-poses-risk-to-nursery-and-landscape-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/2026\/06\/invasive-brown-winged-planthopper-poses-risk-to-nursery-and-landscape-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"Invasive Brown-Winged Planthopper Poses Risk to Nursery and Landscape Plants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The brown-winged planthopper, Pochazia shantungensis <\/em>(Figure 1), was newly detected as an invasive pest in Atlanta, Georgia, following a photo posted to iNaturalist on 25 July.  On October 20 and 24, 2025, egg masses were found at site 1 in Atlanta. On April 28 and 30, 2026, nymphs were also found at Site 1 and a new site, Site 2. On May 8, 2026, nymphs were again found at site 2. Site 2 is ~4 miles away from Site 1. This reemergence of the brown-winged planthopper at two sites in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2026, is a serious concern for fruit and ornamental production systems in the US. These monitoring data were provided by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 1. Adult brown-winged planthopper, Pochazia shantungensis, <\/em>view from top (dorsal view) on the right, and view from the bottom (ventral view) on the left. Photo credit: Thierry Bourgoin, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle (FR) and EPPO.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Factsheet<\/a> on brown-winged planthopper<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why this is a concern<\/strong>:<\/u><\/em> The brown-winged planthopper is a polyphagous pest that attacks more than 300 plant species, including fruits, ornamental crops, and trees in forested areas. Severe economic damage has been reported in South Korea. Because the brown-winged planthopper is a small pest that lays eggs within branches, it has high potential for dispersal to other areas via the unintended movement of plant material. The goal of this extension article is to summarize biological and management information using the Asian literature to benefit the nursery growers, landscape professionals, and homeowners in Georgia and elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The systemic economic and ecological impacts of the brown-winged planthopper in newly invaded regions have not yet been formally quantified. However, its exceptionally broad host range, rapid expansion over the past decade, and strong dispersal capacity indicate that it poses a serious phytosanitary threat wherever it becomes established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current distribution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The geographic distribution of the brown-winged planthopper shows a clear pattern of expansion beyond its native range. Originally native to China, it is distributed at least as far south as Guangxi. The species began spreading globally around 2010, first invading South Korea, though there were unconfirmed outbreaks of unnamed ricaniid planthoppers as early as 2009, and it appeared in Europe shortly thereafter. Today, it has been recorded in 13 non-native countries, including South Korea, Japan, T\u00fcrkiye, Russia, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with its global range continuing to expand. Taxonomically, early specimens collected in South Korea in 2010 were initially classified as Pochazia<\/em> sp. before being formally identified as Pochazia shantungensis<\/em>. However, some researchers suggest that certain Korean populations may actually represent a different but closely related species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pathway and climate limits of this pest highlight both how it spreads and what constrains its establishment. Its global introduction is strongly linked to international trade, with detections and interceptions consistently associated with the movement of ornamental plants and other live plant materials. In cooler northern regions, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium, populations have not established in the wild but remain restricted to controlled environments, such as commercial greenhouses and semi-protected nurseries. This pattern reflects the species\u2019 sensitivity to low temperatures, as cold climates serve as a major barrier to its expansion; the nymphs of this subtropical insect are unable to complete development under such conditions, making outdoor establishment in these regions highly unlikely. Despite this limitation, relying solely on climate as a protective factor is insufficient. Effective biosecurity requires rigorous inspection of imported live plants, consistent monitoring of greenhouse environments, and rapid eradication measures whenever the pest is detected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The phenology and generations of the brown-winged planthopper vary considerably by geographic location. In South Korea, the species typically has one generation per year. In contrast, two generations have been documented in T\u00fcrkiye and in several Chinese provinces, including Hubei, Shandong, and Zhejiang. An even greater number of generations has been observed in Linhai City, Zhejiang Province, China, where three generations per year have been recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adult emergence periods also differ by region. In Qingdao, China, adults of the overwintering generation emerge from early July through mid-August, while the subsequent generation emerges from late September to early December. In T\u00fcrkiye, first-generation adults are observed from late June to early July, followed by second-generation adults from late September to early October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adult<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The lifespan of the brown-winged planthopper typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, with females generally being slightly larger than males. Adult body length ranges from 5.5 to 8 mm, while their total length at rest spans approximately 12.7 to 14.3 mm with a wingspan of 24 to 30 mm. The compound eyes are reddish-brown to dark brown, and the antennae are setaceous (hair-like). The thorax is light brown in the back (dorsally), and the abdomen is grayish-white. The first pair of wings (forewings) is pale yellowish-brown at the base, with darker light brown margins and costal edges, and they feature elongated markings, a pronounced white spot along the anterior edge, and a row of small white dots between the veins on the posterior edge (Figure 1A). The second pair of wings (hindwings) is uniformly grayish-white (Figure 1B). The legs are yellowish-white in color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eggs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The eggs of brown wing planthopper are elongate-oval in shape, white to creamy white in color when first laid (Figure 2 [left]), and measure approximately 1.29 to 1.34 mm in length; as development proceeds, they gradually turn reddish-brown as hatching approaches. Eggs are laid in two rows (Figure 2 [right]).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eggs of the brown-winged planthopper serve as the species\u2019 overwintering stage, remaining dormant until favorable conditions return. Each female lays approximately 150 eggs over a period of two to three weeks, with population-level oviposition activity peaking twice annually 1) first between June and July, and 2) from September to October, particularly in regions such as Zhejiang and Shandong in China. Eggs are primarily deposited on twigs and branches (Figures 3 and 4), although they may occasionally be found along leaf veins. After deposition, the eggs are protected by a distinctive zigzag coating of white waxy filaments (Figure 3). They are typically arranged in either single or double rows, depending on the thickness of the branch, with egg masses generally consisting of 5 to 35 eggs when laid in a single row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 2. The eggs of the brown-winged planthopper were removed from the egg mass (left) and were laid on a twig in two rows (right). Photo credit: chrome-extension:\/\/efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj\/https:\/\/planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk\/assets\/factsheets\/Pochazia_Factsheet_Final_2025.pdf \u00a9 Fera Science Ltd  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Figure 3. Close-up view of egg masses of brown-winged planthopper. Photo credit: Georgia Department of Agriculture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Figure 4. Egg masses of the brown-winged planthopper. Photo credit: Georgia Department of Agriculture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nymphs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are five distinct nymphal instars in the brown-winged planthopper, each taking about two to three months to develop. During this stage, nymphs have creamy yellow bodies marked with gray-brown patches and grow from approximately 1.19 mm in early instars to about 3.3 mm by the fifth instar. The upper thorax features six distinct black spots, while large clusters of white wax filaments extend from the abdomen (Figure 5), including an upward-pointing bundle that can reach twice the length of the nymph\u2019s body. Their legs are colored greenish to creamy yellow at the thighs (femora), with slightly darker, light brown shins (tibiae).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Development time is influenced by temperature and host plant, lasting roughly 50 to 75 days in field conditions. Optimal development occurs at a constant temperature of 27\u202f\u00b0C, which supports survival through all instars, whereas exposure to a constant 30\u202f\u00b0C results in complete mortality after the fourth instar. It is important to note that laboratory-derived temperature thresholds may not fully reflect natural environmental conditions, and it remains uncertain whether populations in warmer climates have evolved greater heat tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 5. A nymph of a brown-winged planthopper. Shoshina Elena at The Subtropical Scientific Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia and https:\/\/gd.eppo.int\/taxon\/POCZSH\/photos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Host Range<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The host range of the brown-winged planthopper is exceptionally broad. It exhibits highly polyphagous dietary habits, feeding aggressively on a wide variety of plants, including agricultural crops, orchard fruit trees, landscape ornamentals, and forest species. At the taxonomic level, confirmed records indicate that it uses more than 300 host plant species, representing a wide range of flora. These hosts span 187 genera distributed across 91 distinct plant families, highlighting their remarkable adaptability and ecological impact. Information on the specific plant species required for the brown-winged planthopper to complete its full development remains limited. Due to the high mobility of both nymphs and adults, many documented host associations may represent incidental, temporary presence rather than true feeding or reproductive sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the ornamental plant species at risk include Acer palmatum (Japanese maple), Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven), Camellia japonica (Japanese camellia), Euonymus alatus (winged spindle), and Forsythia<\/em> spp. (forsythia), Hydrangea<\/em> spp. (hydrangea), Ligustrum<\/em> spp. (privet), Magnolia<\/em> spp. (magnolia), Olea<\/em> europaea<\/em> (olive), Paulownia<\/em> tomentosa<\/em> var. tomentosa<\/em> (foxglove tree), Photinia<\/em>, Pittosporum<\/em> spp. (pittosporum), Prunus<\/em> spp. (laurel), Rhododendron<\/em> spp. (rhododendron), Rosa<\/em> spp. (rose), Rubus<\/em> spp. (bramble), Salix<\/em> spp. (willow), Viburnum<\/em> spp. (viburnum), and Wisteria<\/em> spp. (wisteria). In addition, various herbaceous plants, ferns, and grasses are also vulnerable, including Aster<\/em> spp. (aster), Clematis<\/em> spp. (clematis), and Persicaria<\/em> spp. (smartweed), highlighting the pest\u2019s broad host range and potential impact across both woody and non-woody plant groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nymphs and adults cause distinct forms of damage through both feeding and egg-laying activities. During sap-feeding, these pests aggregate in large groups on leaves, shoots, and branches, where they extract plant sap, leading to primary injuries such as leaf drop, reduced photosynthesis, yellowing, wilting of shoots, and overall stunted plant growth. In addition to direct feeding damage, nymphs excrete large amounts of sticky honeydew, which promotes the growth of dark sooty mold fungi. This secondary damage further blocks sunlight, interferes with photosynthesis, and ultimately reduces crop yield and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Egg laying by adults causes damage to stems and twigs, as eggs are inserted deep into young twigs of woody plants. This pest feeds on a wide range of herbaceous and woody species, and the resulting damage can reduce plant vigor, causing dieback, lower yields, and decreased marketability, especially in ornamental crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitoring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite the high invasion risk posed by the brown-winged planthopper, key biological mechanisms required to develop effective detection and surveillance tools remain poorly understood. In particular, the sensory modalities these species use to locate mates and host plants, whether chemical, visual, or vibrational, are entirely unknown, limiting the development of targeted monitoring strategies, such as pheromone-based or vibrational traps. Consequently, no species-specific lures or specialized detection tools currently exist. Monitoring efforts instead rely on general methods, including visual surveys, which can be highly effective because adults are conspicuous and immature stages are covered in distinctive white wax; however, this waxy appearance resembles that of other planthoppers, complicating identification for non-specialists and necessitating expert confirmation through specimen collection or DNA barcoding. Light traps offer another approach, exploiting the species\u2019 positive phototaxis, though their effectiveness varies depending on environmental conditions and trap placement. Given these limitations, early detection increasingly depends on community reporting through platforms, such as iNaturalist. A notable example comes from Georgia, where the first U.S. record of brown-winged planthopper was identified after a citizen scientist posted photographs online, which were later confirmed by USDA National Identification Services. This case highlights the importance of integrating public participation with rapid expert verification to strengthen regional biosecurity and improve early detection outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Management strategies for brown-winged planthopper remain largely unstudied, and current recommendations are extrapolated from research on brown-winged planthopper, serving as an unvalidated but practical reference. Cultural and physical controls emphasize sanitation practices, such as cutting, burning, or burying infested plant material during winter pruning, which can significantly suppress populations, and selecting sunny, well-ventilated planting sites to discourage infestation, given the insects\u2019 preference for shaded, humid habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biological control options are limited, as no specialized agents are commercially available; however, a range of generalist predators, including lacewings, assassin bugs, lady beetles, and spiders, prey upon these insects, whereas the egg parasitoid, Telenomus<\/em> spp. has demonstrated moderate parasitism rates in field conditions outside the US. Essential oils, such as clove and peppermint, exhibit toxic or repellent properties, though their persistence is limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chemical control remains the most widely applied method, despite the absence of products specifically registered for the brown-winged planthopper. Conventional insecticides, such as abamectin, imidacloprid, and pyrethroids, are typically used during early nymphal stages and, in some systems, guided by action thresholds (e.g., six egg masses per new persimmon branch). Horticultural oils are also applied against overwintering eggs, but their effectiveness is often limited by the protective wax and the embedded placement of egg masses within plant tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Baek S, Lee G, Park CG. 2024. Damage analysis of Pochazia shantungensis<\/em> (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in persimmons. PLoS One. 19:e0301471<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choi DS, Ko SJ, Ma KC, et al. 2016. Effect of temperature on hatchability of overwintering eggs and nymphal development of Pochazia shantungensis<\/em> (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Korean J. Appl. Entomol. 55:453\u2013457.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deady R, Malumphy C, Reid S, Korycinska A. Allen D. 2025 (Version 1). Brown winged plant hopper Pochazia shantungensis. Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. DEFRA Plant Pest Factsheet: Brown Winged Plant Hopper Pochazia shantungensis. DEFRA Plant Pest Factsheet: Brown Winged Plant Hopper Pochazia shantungensis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dong Y, Seung J, Lee S, Hulcr J. 2026. Pochazia shantungensis<\/em> and Pochazia chinensis<\/em> (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae)\u2014two confusable invasive planthoppers, J. Integr. Pest Manage. 17(1), pmag021, https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/jipm\/pmag021<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hizal E, Oztemiz S, Gjonov I. 2019. Ricania shantungensis<\/em> Chou & Lu 1977 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae) a new invasive insect species in European Turkey. Fresenius Environ. Bull. 28:9816\u20139820.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hizal E, Oztemiz S, Gjonov I. 2023. Phenology and host preferences of the invasive Pochazia shantungensis <\/em>(Chou & Lu, 1977) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae), a risk for agriculture and forest areas in the West-Palaearctic region. Acta Zool. Bulg. 75:251\u2013258.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jiang W. 2013. Occurrence and integrated management of Ricania shantungensis<\/em> in Liandu district. Zhejiang Citrus 30:35\u201336.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kim DE, Lee H, Kim MJ, et al. 2015. Predicting the potential habitat, host plants, and geographical distribution of Pochazia shantungensis<\/em> (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in Korea. Korean J. Appl. Entomol. 54:179\u2013189.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lee H, Lee GS, Li Y, et al. 2024. Resolving taxonomic confusion of Pochazia shantungensis (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae) from South Korea, with one new species. J. Asia. Pac. Entomol. 27:102248.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Li S, Chen X, Han G, et al. 2006. Bionomios and control of Ricania shantungensis<\/em>. For. Pest Dis. 3:36\u201338<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lin J, Jin J. 2009. Damage caused by Ricania shantungensis<\/em> to bayberry in Linhai control and its integrated measures. South China Fruits 38:66\u201367.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lock K, Verstraeten J, Vermylen R. 2025. Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) new to Belgium (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). Bulletin De La Societe Royale Belge D\u2019Etomologie 161:27\u201329.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rahman M, Kwon Y, Suh S, et al. 2012. The genus Pochazia<\/em> Amyot and Serville (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) from Korea, with a newly recorded species. J. Entomol. 9:239\u2013247.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schrader G. 2021. Federal research centre for cultivated plants, Institute for National and International Plant Health, PRA for Pochazia shantungensis. https:\/\/pflanzengesundheit.julius-kuehn.de\/en\/pest-risk-analyses.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shen Q, Wang J, Liu J, et al. 2007. Bionomios and control of Ricania shantungensis<\/em>. Chin. Bull. Entomol. 44:116\u2013119<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sun L, Yi W, Wang S, et al. 2021. Occurrence regularity and oviposition habits of Ricania shantungensis<\/em> in Qingdao region, Shandong province. Plant Prot. 47:199\u2013202.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UK Plant Health Risk Group. 2025. Rapid pest risk analysis for: Pochazia shantungensis <\/em>(and P. chinensis<\/em>). March 2025. Rapid Rapid Pest Risk Analysis (PRA). Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yao T, Ran C, Hu J, et al. 2011. Damage and control of Ricania shantungensis<\/em> in Citrus orchards. South China Fruits 40:76\u201377.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The brown-winged planthopper, Pochazia shantungensis (Figure 1), was newly detected as an invasive pest in Atlanta, Georgia, following a photo posted to iNaturalist on 25 July.  On October 20 and 24, 2025, egg masses were found at site 1 in Atlanta. On April 28 and 30, 2026, nymphs were also found at Site 1 and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":499,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[70,69],"class_list":["post-1129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fall-armyworm","tag-brown-winged-planthopper","tag-invasive"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1129","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/499"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1129"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1129\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1155,"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1129\/revisions\/1155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1129"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1129"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.caes.uga.edu\/entomologyresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}