Active Sampling Techniques for Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Fields with High and Low Populations

An effective surveillance method for invasive insect pests is critical for timely detection and management. This study explores the effectiveness of eight active sampling methods for detecting the presence of the two-spot cotton leafhopper (<i>Amrasca biguttula</i> (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)), a newly emerging adventive pest in the U.S.A. that is causing economic losses in cotton and okra. We conducted field studies to compare aspirating, bagging, beat sheet, sweep netting, and four tray-based methods: a dry tray, or a tray with 70% isopropyl alcohol, tap water, or soapy water. While aspirating and bagging served as adequate sampling methods, we found that sampling with a tray containing 70% isopropyl alcohol proved to be the most effective and time-efficient approach. This method consistently enabled rapid detection of adult male specimens across both low- and high-population field sites, facilitating reliable morphological identification.