By James Villegas, Kerns, Dawson, Barbosa, Daniel, Musgrove, Tyler Ray T., Wilson, Blake
LSU AgCenter
The Rice Delphacid (RD) is an invasive planthopper that feeds on rice and other grasses. It was first recorded in Texas in 2015 and has since become a recurring rice pest in Texas rice belt. In Louisiana, RD was detected in July 2025 (first record in >70 years), with initial finds in Tensas Parish and later detections on ratoon rice across the state. This factsheet summarizes key identification and biology, typical damage symptoms, and guidance for scouting.