Rose leafhopper

Fine white stippling on the upper surfaces of rose and maple leaves signals rose leafhopper feeding, as these small, pale green insects pierce leaf undersides and extract cell contents. You will see the tiny, wedge-shaped adults hop or fly away quickly when disturbed. Cast skins from molting nymphs accumulate on leaf undersides. Damage appears from late spring through fall across Western Washington on roses, maples, and many other deciduous hosts.

Tolerate light stippling on vigorous plants, as the damage is cosmetic and does not threaten plant health. Strong water sprays dislodge nymphs from leaf undersides. Parasitic wasps and general predators help suppress populations. Remove leaf litter in fall where eggs overwinter. Insecticidal soap targets nymphs directly if populations warrant intervention.