Diamondback Spittlebug

Lepyronia quadrangularis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Superfamily: Cercopoidea
Family: Aphrophoridae
Subfamily: Aphrophorinae
Tribe: Cloviini
Genus: Lepyronia
Species: quadrangularis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lepyronia quadrangularis: /lɛpɪˈroʊniə kwɒdræŋˈɡjʊlərɪs/

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Summary

Lepyronia quadrangularis, commonly known as the diamond-backed spittle bug, is a species of spittle bug known for its distinctive wing markings and its early life stage spent in protective spittle masses. It is commonly found in weedy areas and is polyphagous, feeding on various plant species throughout its life cycle.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are brownish with two oblique darker brown bands across their fore wings (hemelytra) and a small blackish curve at the tips of the wings.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive diamond shapes formed by the banding on the wings and the characteristic spittle mass below the plants.

Habitat

Locally abundant in weedy areas, primarily in grassy environments east of the Rocky Mountains.

Distribution

Found primarily in North America, with records from various locations across the continent, particularly east of the Rocky Mountains.

Diet

Polyphagous, feeding on a variety of grasses, shrubs, and herbs.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid between the leaf and the main stem of grasses from midsummer to late fall. Nymphs feed and molt under spittle and undergo hibernation in the egg stage.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in protective locations between leaves and stems, facilitating the survival of the offspring.

Ecosystem Role

As herbivores, they may influence the growth and health of the plants they feed on, and they are a food source for various predators in the ecosystem.