Most people retreat at the sight of a wasp, yet University of Florida researchers’ discovery of two newly identified tiny native wasps targeting an invasive pest that threatened Florida agriculture may be a hopeful sign for growers.
In September 2025, UF scientists at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) warned that the newly detected two‑spot cotton leafhopper was threatening crops across South Florida after spreading from its initial detection in December 2024. The tiny pest, only 2.5 to 3 millimeters long, was reported to cause serious damage to the Sunshine State’s high-value food and ornamental crops including cotton, okra, eggplant, roselle, sunflower, tropical hibiscus and others. It prompted statewide alerts for vigilance among growers and residents.
New UF/IFAS research shows that Florida may already have allies, native beneficial wasps quietly attacking the leafhopper’s eggs before the pest can wreak havoc on farms. Researchers have identified two native parasitic wasps, scientifically known as the Anagrus vulneratus and Anagrus sp. near vulneratus, that may help Florida growers combat this invasive leafhopper.
A UF/IFAS TREC photo.
“This is a significant discovery because it shows that Florida already has natural enemies that we can use for the biological control of this invasive pest,” said Alexandra Revynthi, assistant professor of ornamental entomology and acarology at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead. “Therefore, it might not be necessary to invest money and time sampling and bringing natural enemies from the country of origin of this pest. For the growers, this means that researchers might be able to provide solutions faster.”
The two-spot cotton leafhopper damages plants by sucking sap from the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and curling, and reducing yields for growers to market and the public to access from local stores.
Photo by UF/IFAS Alexandra Revynthi.
During a field sampling at TREC, scientists saw the wasps emerging from okra leaves infested with leafhopper’s eggs. Both wasp species, native to North America, had not previously been associated with this pest. Researchers followed up by conducting genetic sequencing to confirm the wasps’ identities.
Because these wasps target the pest at the egg stage, they may serve as an effective, chemical-free means of reducing leafhopper populations, explained Revynthi. Previous research shows that the Anagrus species can help slow pest population growth by invading eggs embedded in leaf tissue. This natural control could support integrated pest management (IPM) efforts and reduce reliance on insecticides.
UF/IFAS TREC photo
“Utilizing the presence of these natural enemies will open avenues for more sustainable management of this pest. The wasps target the eggs, that are not visible since they are inserted in the leaf tissue,” said Revynthi. “To allow the wasps to attack the leafhopper eggs, growers will need to take the conservation approach, by managing their crop in a way that will not interfere with the wasp survival, i.e. decrease chemical control applications and implement IPM, instead.”
The research team recommends additional studies to measure parasitism rates, evaluate compatibility with existing farming practices, and assess the best strategies for incorporating these beneficial insects into long-term crop protection programs.
“We are in the infancy of this research. We still do not know the full potential of these wasps,” she said. “However, one additional aspect that must be studied is how to successfully implement them in an IPM program. This can happen by studying their compatibility with other management practices used by the growers.”
Ultimately, this discovery isn’t just important for growers. It also supports consumers by promoting healthier crops and reducing the need for chemical inputs, Revynthi said.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguel@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.
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