A Wrong Turn at Albuquerque
Here in the Northeast US it's not unusual to see insects migrating in from the South each growing season - potato leafhopper and corn earworm are two whose annual arrivals are correlated with strong south/southwesterly fronts. Western visitors, however, are much less common.
Late last summer and fall we noticed lots of pale flecking on leaves in our dahlias, unusual enough to be a bit of a concern. It was also showing on calendulas nearby. The numerous pale green leafhoppers present looked very much like potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae), but without its associated 'hopperburn' symptoms. Samples recently sent taxonomist Dr Chis Dietrich were determined to be western potato leafhopper (Hebata abrupta), an entirely different species despite the similar name. Dr Dietrich notes the species 'was historically restricted to Mexico and the western USA. However, there are scattered records from east of the Rocky Mountains, mostly in the southeast but we have at least one verified record from New York.' Now there's two.
It's too early to say whether this will be an annual pest or was a one-off, but it is one of many examples we've seen over the years where something that appears unusual, often is!
Dan Gilrein
Entomologist, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk CountyDan Gilrein is the Extension Entomologist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center, Riverhead, NY since 1995 and previously served there as IPM Specialist with Cornell from 1987. In his current position he conducts applied research on control of arthropod pests in food crops and on ornamental plants, provides diagnostic services to the horticultural industries, and conducts educational programs and presentations for industry, government officials, civic groups and the public on pests and pest management.
