Effect of Temperature on the Development of the Blackfaced Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

A laboratory investigation examined the effects of temperature on development of Graminella nigrifrons (Forbes) using seedling johnsongrass as the host. Daily development for each life stage was calculated. Results indicate no significant differences between developmental rates of male and female G. nigrifrons eggs at the temperatures studied. Male nymphs, however, exhibited significantly faster developmental rates than female nymphs. Using estimated thresholds of development of eggs and female nymphs, it was determined that three generations of the leafhopper per year were likely in central Kentucky.