Introduction
The cotton jassid, also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper, is a small leafhopper species native to Asia, with a range extending from Iran to Japan, that was first reported in the U.S. in Miami-Dade County, Florida, in November 2024. By August 2025, cotton jassid had been reported in at least 101 counties across eight southern U.S. states (Figure 1). In North Carolina, cotton jassid was first observed in September 2025, and has been confirmed in at least Columbus, Johnston, Jones, Northampton, Robeson, and Scotland counties.
Following its introduction, cotton jassid caused an average yield loss of 28% in 9 field trials conducted in the southeastern U.S. in 2025. To date, no yield losses have been reported in North Carolina, likely because infestations occurred late in the growing season. However, many uncertainties remain, including seasonal movement patterns, the ability of cotton jassid to overwinter in North Carolina, alternative host plants, yield-loss potential in 2026, and effective management tools. This factsheet summarizes current knowledge on the identification, biology, and management of cotton jassid based on observations from other states and its native range.
Figure 1. Distribution map of cotton jassid in the United States. Counties shaded green have had at least one reported detection in 2025.
https://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/uscounty.cfm?sub=9266
Identification
Adults
Cotton jassid adults are small leafhoppers approximately 2–3.5 mm long (Figure 2). They are pale green with yellowish-green, transparent wings. A key diagnostic feature distinguishing cotton jassid from other leafhopper species is the presence of one black spot near the tip of each forewing (Figure 2A&B). Other leafhopper species may have black markings. Definitive identification requires dissection and examination of the genitalia.
In most individuals, a pair of black spots may also be present on the face (Figure 2A). These markings can be faint and difficult to observe but are rarely completely absent (Figure 2B). Males are slightly smaller than females.
Nymphs
After hatching from eggs, cotton jassid nymphs are very small (less than 1–2 mm long), flattened, wingless, and creamy white to pale green in color (Figure 3). Unlike adults, nymphs lack the characteristic black spots on the head and wings (which are not yet developed). Nymphs pass through five instars (molting stages) (Figure 3C). After the third instar, a pair of wing pads begins to appear, and during the fifth and final instar, two pairs of wing pads are present (Figure 3A&C).
Eggs
Females lay microscopic (less than 1 mm), yellowish-white, oblong eggs on the undersides of leaves or stems, primarily within petioles, veins, and midribs (Figure 4A). Eggs are mostly inconspicuous to the naked eye and typically require specialized tools to observe (Figure 4B).
Figure 2. A) Cotton jassid adult with characteristic black spots on face and forewings indicated by yellow arrows. B) Adult with wings closed, as typically observed on plants (note absence of black head spots). C) Adults placed on dime for scale; approximately the size of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s nose.
Figure 3. A) Nymph with first pair of wing pads present. B) Nymph observed on the underside of a cotton leaf. C) Cotton jassid has five nymphal instars.
Figure 4. A) Cotton jassid inserts eggs into leaf tissue of cotton leaves. B) Egg dissected from plant tissue, appearing oblong in shape.
Life History
Because cotton jassid was first reported in North America in 2025, limited information is currently available on its biology, ecology, life history, and management in cotton or other crops, particularly under North Carolina conditions.
In its native range, cotton jassid completes 11 overlapping generations per year, meaning all life stages (egg, nymph, and adult) may be present simultaneously. One generation (egg to adult) is completed in 15–46 days (average ~21 days), depending on environmental conditions. Optimal development occurs at temperatures between 81–93°F with approximately 70% relative humidity and low rainfall. Eggs typically hatch within 5–7 days on cotton, and the nymphal period lasts 8–12 days. Adults survive for 12–37 days, and females may lay 14–60 eggs over a 9-day period during their lifespan.
Cotton jassid is a tropical species and does not undergo diapause. Instead, it requires living plant tissue and warm temperatures to survive and reproduce during winter. Cold temperatures significantly slow development and reproduction and can cause mortality, although the lower developmental threshold temperature is currently unknown. In North America, populations are expected to overwinter along the Gulf Coast and migrate northward as temperatures increase in spring. Once favorable conditions return, populations can build rapidly. The timing of infestations in cotton, including in North Carolina, remains uncertain at this early stage of invasion. Dispersal patterns are poorly understood but are likely influenced by movement of infested plant material, hitchhiking on people, vehicles, or agricultural equipment, and to a lesser extent long-distance movement via strong wind currents and storm systems.
Behavior
In cotton fields, infestations typically begin along field edges and move inward as populations increase. Both nymphs and adults feed on the undersides of leaves and often cluster together (Figure 5). At higher population densities, individuals may also be found on upper leaf surfaces. Cotton jassids are highly mobile and may scuttle sideways, jump, or drop from plants when disturbed, which can complicate scouting efforts. Adults are also capable of short-distance flight. Although cotton jassids can occur throughout the entire plant canopy, preliminary research from Florida and Georgia suggests they are more commonly found in the middle and upper canopy. In India, populations are reported to be most prevalent on the third to fifth mainstem leaves below the terminal.
Figure 5. All life stages of cotton jassid present on the underside of a cotton leaf.
Host Plants
Cotton jassid can feed and reproduce on at least 27 plant species in its native range, including nursery crops, field crops, and weeds, primarily within the families Malvaceae (mallows) and Asteraceae (daisies). In the United States, preferred and economically important hosts to date include cotton, eggplant, okra, and tropical hibiscus. Additional hosts reported from its native range include pepino, potato, Indian sorrel, sunflower and watermelon. While cotton jassid adults may be observed on many plant species, their presence does not necessarily indicate successful reproduction or colonization. For example, only adults have been observed on soybean, suggesting it’s unlikely to serve as a major host.
Damage Symptoms
Both nymphs and adults feed by siphoning sap from the plant, reducing the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients. During feeding, cotton jassids inject salivary toxins into the plant that contribute to a condition known as hopperburn (Figure 6). Initial symptoms include yellowing along leaf margins that progresses inward, followed by leaf curling (Figure 6A&B). As damage worsens, leaves turn reddish to brown, leaf tips become necrotic, and heavily damaged leaves may drop prematurely (Figure 6C). Cotton jassids also excrete honeydew, a sticky byproduct of feeding, which accumulates on leaves and the soil surface underneath.
Symptoms typically appear first along field edges and progress inward as infestations build. Due to the pest’s rapid development and overlapping generations, plant health can decline within a few days under optimal conditions. Later-season infestations are particularly damaging and may cause reduced boll production, and premature shedding of squares, flowers, and small bolls when poorly managed. More research is needed to determine how infestations during different phenological stages impacts yield. At present, cotton jassid is not known to transmit plant pathogens in North America.
Figure 6. A) Early stages of hopperburn include leaf curl, and yellowing on leaf edges that turns red and brown overtime. B) Cotton field showing early stages of hopperburn. C) Late stages of hopperburn include necrosis and defoliation.
Surveying and Monitoring
Cotton jassid infestations generally begin along field edges and move inward as populations increase. Monitoring can be conducted using active or passive methods, depending on time and available resources. Currently, no monitoring tools (e.g., pheromone lures) are specifically designed for cotton jassid, and the relationship between insect density and economic damage is not yet well defined in these early stages of infestation.
Active Monitoring
Visual scouting is the quickest and most reliable method. Inspect the undersides of leaves for nymphs and adults, taking care to minimize disturbance, as cotton jassids move quickly when leaves are flipped. Using a smartphone to take a photo and zoom in can help detect individuals. Current recommendations suggest counting the number of jassids on the fourth mainstem leaf below the terminal on 25 plants per field to estimate average density.
The beat-sheet method can also be used. Place a cloth or plastic sheet between two rows and shake or beat plants from one or both rows over the sheet to dislodge insects. Beat-sheet samples should be collected from multiple locations within a field.
Passive Monitoring
Adult cotton jassids can be monitored using yellow sticky cards placed near canopy height and checked regularly for adults. Researchers in Georgia recommend placing one card per 1,000 square feet and checking at least one time every seven days.
Economic Thresholds
At this time, no formal economic threshold levels (ETLs) have been established for cotton jassid in cotton in the U.S. The preliminary threshold based on 2025 research is an average of one jassid per leaf or jassids present with visible plant injury. These recommendations are consistent with ETLs used in India. Given the pest’s rapid development, populations can increase quickly, underscoring the importance of frequent scouting and timely management decisions.
Management
Chemical Control
Preliminary efficacy trials conducted in Alabama and Georgia in August 2025 showed moderate to high knockdown of cotton jassid following foliar applications of Bidrin (dicrotophos), Carbine (flonicamid), Courier (buprofezin), Sefina (afidopyropen), Sivanto (flupyradifurone), Venom (dinotefuran), and Vertento (plinazolin). Information on seed treatments for early season protection is currently limited.
Biological Control
Laboratory bioassays in Florida indicate that green lacewing larvae prey on both cotton jassid nymphs and adults, while minute pirate bugs (Orius spp.) only consume nymphs. The extent to which natural enemies reduce cotton jassid populations under field conditions is not yet well understood. In its native range, known predators also include lady beetle larvae and adults, spiders, and ants. As cotton jassid becomes established in the southeastern U.S., it is likely that endemic natural enemies (which also prey on aphids, lepidopteran eggs, spider mites, thrips and whitefly nymphs), will begin to exploit this new prey resource.
Cultural Control
Earlier planted cotton will have more opportunity to grow and develop before cotton jassid is expected (assuming it only overwinters along the Gulf Coast and is a poor disperser). Preliminary evidence suggests that cotton jassid may prefer varieties with smooth leaves. In a South Carolina variety trial, fewer cotton jassids per leaf were observed on varieties with semi-smooth leaves compared to those with fully smooth leaves.
Publication date: Feb. 2, 2026
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