Passion vine hopper

The Passion vine hopper (Scolypopa australis) is a sap-sucking insect belonging to the order Hemiptera and the family Ricaniidae. Native to Australia, it has become a significant agricultural and horticultural pest in New Zealand and other parts of the world. Its ability to feed on a wide variety of host plants makes it a difficult pest to eradicate completely from managed gardens.

This pest affects a broad range of plant species, including both woody and herbaceous hosts. Common target plants include grapevines, kiwifruit, citrus, roses, and various native ferns. Because of its wide host range, the Passion vine hopper can easily move between different parts of a garden, causing damage across multiple crop types throughout the growing season.

The life cycle of Scolypopa australis involves eggs, five nymphal stages, and adults. Adults are typically recognizable by their triangular shape and transparent wings with distinct vein patterns. Eggs are laid in rows within the stems of host plants, protected by the plant tissue itself, which protects the offspring from many external threats during the winter season.

Damage is primarily caused by nymphs and adults feeding on the phloem of host plants. This feeding process depletes the plant's resources and can lead to stunted growth or wilting. Furthermore, the secretion of honeydew promotes the growth of sooty mould, which discolours foliage and fruits, ultimately reducing the marketable quality of the produce.

Managing the Passion vine hopper involves integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Chemical control using insecticides is most effective when targeted at the nymphal stages. In addition to chemical intervention, it is essential to monitor populations using sticky traps and to prune infested branches to lower the overall pest density in the environment.