See Flea Beetle fact sheet. Potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae . This insect is a serious pest in some years in Connecticut. It does not overwinter here, and the severity of infestation depends on the size of the migrating population and the weather. In addition to being a pest of potatoes, it is also a pest of beans and alfalfa, and probably moves into potatoes after multiplying on other host plants.
Nymphs are similar in color but have no wings.
Both adults and nymphs are difficult to see because they move rapidly. Adults and nymphs may infest potatoes and cause injury by sucking sap from the bottom side of leaves. This causes the young leaves to curl or gives them a white peppered appearance. Potatoes are very sensitive to leafhopper damage, and yield may be reduced before damage is visible. Early-maturing varieties are more susceptible to damage than later varieties.