Clastopteridae
Stål, 1858
Clastopterid Spittlebugs
Genus Guides
1- Clastoptera(spittlebugs)
is a of spittlebugs (Cercopoidea) within the order Hemiptera, containing at least 10 and approximately 100 described . The family was established by Stål in 1858. Members are free-living hemipterans, distinct from the related froghoppers (Aphrophoridae) that produce protective spittle masses. The genus Clastoptera is the most well-known and widespread in the family.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Clastopteridae: /klæˌstɒptəˈriːdiː/
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Identification
can be distinguished from Aphrophoridae (the other major spittlebug ) by their free-living habit; they do not produce the frothy spittle masses characteristic of Aphrophoridae nymphs. are generally small to medium-sized hemipterans with the typical cercopoid body plan: compact, somewhat rounded or oval body, enlarged hind adapted for jumping, and short . in the Clastoptera often have distinctive color patterns including bold markings or mottled appearance.
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Habitat
Found in a variety of terrestrial including forests, woodlands, and shrublands. Associated with woody vegetation, particularly conifers and deciduous trees and shrubs.
Distribution
Primarily distributed across the Nearctic region (North America), with records from the United States including Vermont. The has a predominantly northern hemisphere distribution.
Diet
Feed on plant sap, primarily from woody plants. Specific plant associations vary by and .
Host Associations
- woody plants - food sourceprimary feeding substrate for sap extraction
- conifers - food sourcedocumented plants for some
- deciduous trees and shrubs - food sourcedocumented plants for some
Life Cycle
Hemimetabolous development with , nymph, and stages. Nymphs are free-living and do not produce spittle masses, unlike Aphrophoridae nymphs.
Behavior
Free-living throughout all life stages; nymphs do not construct protective spittle masses. are capable of jumping using enlarged hind legs.
Ecological Role
Herbivores that extract plant sap from woody vegetation. Serve as prey for various . Their feeding may contribute to minor plant stress but they are not considered significant economic pests.
Human Relevance
Minimal direct economic impact. Occasionally encountered by naturalists and entomologists. Not known to be significant agricultural or forestry pests.
Similar Taxa
- AphrophoridaeBoth are of spittlebugs in Cercopoidea; distinguished by Aphrophoridae nymphs producing protective spittle masses while nymphs are free-living without spittle
More Details
Taxonomic history
The has undergone recent taxonomic revision, with several new described by Hamilton in 2014-2015 (Allox, Hemizygon, Pseudoclastoptera, Taphrotylus, Zygon). A fossil genus †Prisciba was described by Poinar in 2014.
Genera
The contains 10 extant : Allox, Clastoptera, Hemizygon, Iba, Parahindoloides, Paropia, Pseudoclastoptera, Taphrotylus, Zygon, plus the fossil genus †Prisciba.