tiny moth

[billvialyn]

hi I brought a sage plant a few days ago that was imported from Italy, and I have just noticed these tiny insects ,having magnified them they look like a moth which I think maybe a member of the leaf minor moth family, but cant find the exact one, was wondering whether I should destroy the plant if they are not native to Britain, would appreciate some advise
thanks lyn

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Lyn, and welcome to WAB!

It is very micromoth-looking. It is in fact though, a Leafhopper which is a True Bug. It's a species from the Eupteryx genus (that's the scientific grouping - not all insects have English names!).

As for which, can you get a photograph from above? As helpful as the side angle as been in getting me this far, it's often the pattern behind the head that I find useful. As it is from Italy though, it may be a species we don't get here. I'm personally more familiar with the British species.

We have two experts on WAB who know the Cicadellidae (the scientific family these belong to) very well - if they don't look-in on this thread I'll PM them.

Take care,

Jason

[DorsetDunk]

hello
Eupteryx sp it is a type of leaf hopper & no i personally feel there is no need to destroy the plant
I am sure some one will give you the complete id though

[artdemole]

I grow sage on the patio sometimes insects settle on them but not for long.So if you do any thing to it I WOULD JUST PICK OFF a few leaves where you saw the insect.I doubt if it will do much harm .

[billvialyn]

hope this helps best pic i could get, thanks everyone for all the replies,plant is looking abit sick at moment ,do leaf hoppers do harm?

thanks all lyn

[Jason Green]

Thanks Lyn. This looks like Eupteryx decemnotata (unless Italy has any similar species I am unaware of), which was first found in the UK in 2002 where it is now found around the South. It was likely intoduced into the country by imports, as in the way this individual was found.

They use their mouthparts, called a rostrum, to pierce the plant stem to drink the sap. I believe this action of puncturing can cause issues with disease/damage, but I don't know how serious that can be in the given plant here - or if this 'hopper is to blame for any sickness present.

[billvialyn]

Hi, thank you for your help Jason, most appreciated,I have become quite fond of my little hoppers, they were quite a challenge to photograph, I think i shall leave them to munch away,thanks again to everyone lyn

[artdemole]

Plant should recover with a bit of t.l.c.Changes of temperature in travel from Italy to yours has made it this way.They are hardy though..

[tristanba]

Just to confirm it is Eupteryx decemnotata, this is now well-established in Britain, almost always on sage. Good photo - they are very small!