LEPTRASTA VAŠ - Aleurocanthus spiniferus

Spiniferus is one of the more significant invasive pests affecting numerous agricultural and ornamental plants primarily due to its polyphagy, high reproductive potential, and rapid spread. Economically, the most important hosts are citrus fruits (mandarins, oranges, lemons), followed by grapevines, apples, pears, figs, mulberries, pomegranates, roses, Japanese apples, and many ornamental and native plant species. Adults are about 1.2-1.5 mm in size, and unlike other leafhoppers, larvae pass through four developmental stages, with the final pupal stage being black with a white, resinous edge. To determine the presence of the species and for mass trapping (where the pest is present), yellow sticky traps (e.g., on citrus canopies and other host plants) should be hung both in production orchards and home gardens.