They feed from early June to July on new growth of Honey Locust, Willow, Aspen, Oak, Elm, Cherry, Maple, and Rose. Initial injury appears as small white dots on upper leaf and twig surfaces. These dots are caused by the insects sucking plant juices from lower leaf and twig surfaces and injecting a toxin as they feed. As the number of dots increases, they form irregular shaped blotches. Eventually leaves become distorted, curled and mottled yellow in color.
Severe infestation causes premature leaf drop and twig dieback.
Similar injury on Honey Locust also may be caused by Honey Locust plant bug. Fortunately, control measures for both insects are the same. If damage is not severe, control is not necessary. Insecticidal soaps are an environmentally friendly safe method of killing leafhoppers. Spray when leafhoppers are most active.