leafhopper

[ leef-hop-er ]

noun

1. any of numerous leaping, homopterous insects of the family Cicadellidae that suck plant juices, many being serious crop pests.

Word History and Origins

Origin of leafhopper¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; leaf + hopper

Example Sentences

The size is consistent across leafhopper species, no matter the size of the insect's body.

From Science Daily

Still others had noted candy-stripers using no web at all while nabbing nimble leafhoppers.

From New York Times

Because their diet is mostly water, sharpshooters must constantly urinate, causing a downpour of droplets known as “leafhopper rain.”

From Scientific American

Several hurdles remain to applying the approach to other kinds of pests, such as beetles and leafhoppers.

From Science Magazine

Cicadas, on the other hand, are part of the order Hemiptera, or true bugs, and are more closely related to aphids and leafhoppers.

From Washington Post