Close the current picture before viewing another. Rose leafhopper nymph Rose leafhopper, Edwardsiana rosae , is becoming more common on apple. Orchards in the vicinity of multiflora rose or brambles are especially at risk. Description and life cycle Rose leafhopper resembles the white apple leafhopper in appearance, habits, and tree injury. However, this species is distinguished as a nymph by the presence of small black spots on the thorax and wing pads.
Adults are indistinguishable unless dissected.
Rose leafhopper overwinters on multiflora rose and brambles. The first of the three generations per year stays on the overwintering host, with the adults dispersing to apple trees in early June. Nymphs appear on apple trees in early July and adults again in early August, preceding the appearance of white apple leafhopper adults. Watersprouts often have heavier populations of second-brood leafhoppers than other areas of the tree. Moderate drought conditions favor outbreaks.