Prosapia ignipecta

(Fitch, 1856)

Red-legged Spittlebug, Black Spittlebug

Prosapia ignipecta, commonly known as the red-legged spittlebug or black spittlebug, is a of froghopper in the Ischnorhinidae. It is native to North America and is closely related to the economically significant twolined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta), which has become a destructive pest in Hawaiian pastures. The species belongs to a containing several important pasture and turfgrass pests across the Americas.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Prosapia ignipecta: /proʊˈsæpiə ˌɪɡnɪˈpɛktə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

are distinguished by red or orange legs contrasting with darker body coloration, earning the "red-legged spittlebug." Nymphs produce characteristic frothy spittle masses for protection. The can be differentiated from the similar Prosapia bicincta by leg coloration; P. bicincta adults display two prominent red-orange stripes on black wings rather than red legs.

Distribution

Native to North America. Specific range details within the continent are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

Nymphs reside in protective spittle masses formed by excreting frothy bubbles of feeding wastes, a characteristic of the . possess jumping abilities typical of froghoppers (family Ischnorhinidae, formerly included in Cercopidae).

Human Relevance

Member of a containing major economic pests of pasture grasses, turfgrass, and sugarcane. The congeneric Prosapia bicincta causes millions of dollars in agricultural losses and has recently invaded Hawaiʻi, damaging thousands of hectares of cattle pasture. P. ignipecta itself is not documented as a significant pest in available sources.

Similar Taxa

Prosapia bicinctaSimilar size, , and ; distinguished by color pattern (two red-orange wing stripes vs. red legs) and different pest status