Infection with Entomopathogenic Fungi (parasitic fungi of leafhoppers)
Leafhoppers, small piercing-sucking insects that live on plants, can be infected by fungi called "entomopathogenic"—that is, fungi capable of parasitizing and killing insects. These fungi belong to genera such as Beauveria, Metarhizium, or...
What is it?
Leafhoppers, small piercing-sucking insects that live on plants, can be infected by fungi called "entomopathogenic"—that is, fungi capable of parasitizing and killing insects.
These fungi belong to genera such as Beauveria, Metarhizium, or Zoophthora.
They are naturally present in soil, on plants, and in the air, particularly in humid areas.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The infected insect gradually becomes slower and less active.
It loses its ability to jump or fly properly.
A change in behaviour is often observed: the leafhopper climbs upward on a plant before dying, a phenomenon that would favour the dispersal of fungal spores.
After death, the insect's body progressively becomes covered with a fine down or powder, white, green or pink depending on the fungus involved.
The abdomen may appear swollen or hardened.
In mass rearing of beneficial insects, abnormally high mortality can be observed over a short period.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The infection is caused by fungal spores penetrating the cuticle (the outer envelope) of the leafhopper, or sometimes by ingestion.
Once inside the insect's body, the fungus develops, invades the internal tissues, and eventually causes death.
After the host dies, the fungus emerges through the cuticle and produces new spores that can contaminate other nearby insects.
High humidity and mild temperatures promote fungal spore survival and germination.
A high population density of leafhoppers increases the risk of transmission between individuals.
The presence of plant residues or soil contaminated with spores in the environment close to crops also plays a role.
Insect stress, linked for example to a lack of food resources, can make it more vulnerable.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
Identification is made by observing dead or dying insects, usually by an agronomist or entomologist.
Confirming the fungus involved requires microscopic examination or culturing in a specialized laboratory.
There is no individual veterinary follow-up for this type of insect.
Treatment
There is no curative treatment for an infected leafhopper, nor is any treatment necessary, as this infection is naturally occurring and often deliberately sought in biological control.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
In biological pest control, the presence of these fungi can be actively encouraged to reduce populations of leafhoppers harmful to crops.
Maintaining proper humidity levels and applying preparations based on entomopathogenic fungal spores are methods used in agriculture.
There are no preventive measures designed to protect the leafhopper itself, as it is neither a farmed nor a pet animal.
Possible complications
The infection invariably results in death of the parasitized insect.
In an agricultural setting, extensive fungal spread can substantially reduce leafhopper populations on a crop.
When to see a veterinarian
A farmer observing unusual, clustered mortality of leafhoppers or other insects on crops may consult an agricultural advisor or entomologist.
A beneficial insect breeding operation discovering abnormal mortality should contact a specialist in insect pathology.
Prognosis
Once infection is established, the prognosis is invariably poor for the individual insect—the outcome is death.
At the population level of leafhoppers, the impact depends on environmental conditions and can range from limited effect to significant reduction in numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Are these mushrooms dangerous to humans or domestic animals?
No, entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria or Metarhizium are specific to insects and present no known danger to humans or domestic animals under normal conditions of use.
Can these fungi be used to combat harmful leafhoppers?
Yes, they are used in agriculture as biocontrol agents, in the form of commercial preparations based on spores, applied to crops.
How do you identify a leafhopper that has died from a fungal infection?
The dead insect often shows a colored fuzz or powder on its surface after a few days, and is frequently found attached high up on a plant.
Does this infection affect only leafhoppers?
No, these fungi can infect many different insects, though each fungal species has preferred hosts.
References
FAO — Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 26 August 2026
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📱 عندك صفحة على فايسبوك؟ باهي… أما وين موقعك؟ الصفحة وحدها ما تكفيش. موقعك يخلي الناس تلقاك، يعرفوك أكثر ويثقو في خدمتك. 🌐 موقع باسم مشروعك 📲 يخدم أربعة وعشرين ساعة 🤝 يعطي ثقة واحترافية .📈 يعاونك تكبّر خدمتك خلّيه موجود وين الناس تلوّج عليه 🚀نعملولك موقع يشرّف مشروعك
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