PEST
 
   NAME
     Frog Hopper (General)
     Various Frog Hopper Species
 
   ORDER
     Hemiptera

Description of the Pest
Generally frog hoppers grow up to 15mm in length, and look simular to small cicadas, but capable of hopping. The adults construct conical tubes that are attached to branches from the narrow end. The larvae live inside the tube emersed in secreted fluids that protecting it from predators and attracts ants. Both nymphs and adults have piercing and sucking mouth parts.

The Common Froghopper (Chaetophyes compacta) is 8mm long. Females are brownish and the males are black. It feeds solitary or conjugate in colonies.   Adults can fly but will hop away immediately if disturbed.

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
The adults and nymphs are present throughout the year in tropical to warm temperate regions and are dispersed by flying.

Life Cycle
These insects have a Hemimetabolous life cycle, ie. When the immature nymphs resemble the adults.
Females deposit eggs in tubes that are attached to the host, and several generations may appear annually on the same plant.

		   Frog Hopper with missing wing cover.

Damage Caused
Nymphs and adults are gregarious, and both stages may be found on host plants at the same time. If large numbers attack young new growth, sucking sap from leaf petioles and young stems, the host plant may become stressed. Severe infestations may weaken and eventually kill the plant. 

The nymphs exude a sweet secretion, which is attractive to ants that attend and protect the colony. The honeydew also causes sooty mould to occur as a secondary problem. 

Susceptible Plants
Most Eucalyptus species, Acacia species, Casuarina species and many other native or ornamental plants.

Cultural Control
Improving the culture of the host species may assist in maintaining vigorous growth, to minimise shock from infestations. It may be possible to remove them by hand from young trees, using a small butterfly net.

Biological Control
Controlled by natural predation.

Chemical Control
Under normal circumstances, it is impractical and unnecessary to treat mature trees however, Frog hoppers on young plants may be treated with a contact insecticide. 
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.