Fleahopper (Microtechnites bractatus)
GDD Window (base 50): First observations May – persisting throughout season
Overview:
- Small plant bugs that are about the size of fleas and jump around quickly to escape predators
- Usually 1/8″ long, and typically black with long antennae, wings, and piercing-sucking mouthparts
- Females have shorter wings than males
- Males have white spots
- Overwinter as eggs laid in stems or leaves so that the tip of the egg is on the surface
- Newly hatched nymphs are pale green, becoming darker green as they grow and molt more
- Adults live from 1 to 3 months, and there can be 5 or more generations per year
- Cause pale spots on upper leaf surface and spots of excrement on the lower surface
- Can cause leaves to become chlorotic and drop prematurely
- Host plants: Wide range, including ornamental, garden, and forage plants, as well as weeds and grasses
- Highly susceptible: Buddleia, Salvia
- Medium/High susceptibility: Monarda, Agastache, Phlox, Nepeta, Helenium, Veronica
- Medium/Low susceptibility: Ajuga, Alcea, Aquilegia, Scabiosa
- Low susceptibility: Clematis, Hydrangea, Spiraea
Management:
Cultural Practices:
- Natural predators: parasitic wasps, ladybugs, lacewings, minute pirate bugs, assassin bugs, spiders, nematodes
- Remove weeds in the area
- Crop rotation
- Dispose of debris and waste
- Floating row covers
Materials:
- Contact insecticides:
- Pyrethroids [3A]: -thrins
- Carbamates [1A]: Carbaryl
- Systemic insecticides:
- Organophosphates [1B]: acephate
- Considerations:
- Can harm non-target species
- Infestations are sporadic so one application may bring extended periods of relief
- May need a second application 5-7 days after the first one because eggs are protected within the plant tissue
Biorationals:
- Spinosyns [5]: Spinosad
Disclaimer – Materials do not cover all possible control scenarios and are intended for licensed professionals. Tradenames do not imply endorsement and are used as examples. You must strictly follow the label for each compound prior to use. Rutgers is not responsible form is used materials or damages thereof. The label is the law. Labels will provide detailed information on use and restrictions. Additionally, application intervals, compatibility, surfactant use, PHI, PPE, important and other key information is described in detail. Always discuss treatments with your local agents. Note: Neonicotinoids can only be legally applied in commercial agriculture settings by licensed applicators. Guidelines and recommendations made in this presentation are specific to the state of New Jersey.