First African leafhoppers detected in Argentina

Entomology specialists from INTA confirmed the presence of the first specimens of Leptodelphax maculigera in Santa Fe and Entre Ríos. This is an insect, originally from Africa, that can feed mainly on grasses, pastures and legumes. INTA reported the detection to SENASA. Originally from the African continent, specimens of Leptodelphax maculigera, commonly known as the African leafhopper, were recently detected in Brazil and now confirm the presence of nymphs and adults (males and females) in Santa Fe and Entre Ríos. The first specimens were captured in the field in wheat fields in both locations, and in Reconquista it was also observed in the grass Setaria sphacelat. The identification was confirmed by specialist Ana Marino de Remes Lenicov, from the Entomology Division of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Museum of the University of La Plata (UNLP) and Conicet. “The African leafhopper is known to be an oligophagous species, meaning that it can feed on grasses (corn, sugar cane), ...