Clastopteridae

Definition

A family of spittlebugs (Hemiptera) characterized by compact bodies, reduced wing venation, and nymphs that produce minimal or no froth compared to the copious spittle of related families. Adults typically feed on woody plants and are often found in forested habitats. The family comprises at least 10 genera and approximately 100 described species, with the genus Clastoptera being the most diverse and widely distributed in the Nearctic region.

Etymology

From the type genus Clastoptera (Greek klastos 'broken' + ptera 'wings', referring to the fragmented appearance of the wing veins) + the family suffix -idae.

Example

Clastoptera obtusa, the eastern black spruce spittlebug, is a common Clastopteridae species whose nymphs feed on spruce and fir needles without producing the conspicuous spittle masses typical of Aphrophoridae spittlebugs.

Related Terms

• Hemiptera
• Auchenorrhyncha
• Cercopoidea
• Aphrophoridae
• spittlebug
• Cercopidae
• Clastoptera
• xylem-feeding

Usage Notes

Clastopteridae is one of three families traditionally placed in the superfamily Cercopoidea (spittlebugs), though molecular studies have sometimes questioned this grouping. Distinguished from Aphrophoridae (the 'true' spittlebugs) by adult morphology and reduced nymphal froth production. Specialists may refer to members as 'clastopterids' or, informally, 'minimal-spittle spittlebugs.' Not to be confused with the unrelated leafhopper family Cicadellidae, which lacks spittle-producing nymphs entirely.