Clastoptera

Germar, 1839

spittlebugs

Species Guides

38

Clastoptera is a of spittlebugs in the Clastopteridae, containing at least 30 described distributed across North and South America. Members are small, globose insects that produce spittle masses during their nymphal stage. The genus exhibits extreme morphological variability, with individuals varying widely in size, color, and pattern within species, complicating taxonomic classification. Nymphs are phloem-feeders that develop within protective foam masses on plants, while are free-living and mobile.

Clastoptera lineatocollis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Clastoptera proteus by no rights reserved, uploaded by cgmayers. Used under a CC0 license.Clastoptera proteus by (c) Steven Joyner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steven Joyner. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Clastoptera: //klæˈstɒptərə//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Cercopidae by small, rounded (globose) body shape. Identification to level is problematic due to extensive morphological variation within species; size and color markings alone are unreliable diagnostic characters. Examination of genitalia and geographic context may be necessary for accurate determination.

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Habitat

Associated with plant foliage where nymphs develop within spittle masses. Specific requirements vary by ; C. achatina occurs on pecan (Carya illinoinensis).

Distribution

North and South America. Approximately 68-70 forms have been named across these regions.

Seasonality

of C. achatina present from late May through August in the southern United States. Timing likely varies by and latitude.

Diet

Phloem-feeding; nymphs and extract plant sap from tissues.

Host Associations

  • Carya illinoinensis - pecan; documented for C. achatina

Life Cycle

→ nymph → . Nymphs produce protective spittle masses on foliage. C. achatina has one per year in the southern United States, with eggs laid in pecan leaf midribs and in the egg stage.

Behavior

Nymphs produce spittle masses—foam secretions that conceal and protect them while feeding on plant phloem. are active and mobile, leaving the spittle mass .

Ecological Role

Herbivore that feeds on plant phloem; nymphal spittle masses may affect plant physiology. Prey for predatory including Clitemnestra bipunctata, which provisions nests with paralyzed spittlebugs.

Human Relevance

C. achatina is a documented pest of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) with potential economic impact on nut production. Some may be preyed upon by beneficial predatory .

Similar Taxa

  • PhilaenusBoth are spittlebug with nymphs producing protective foam masses; Philaenus generally more uniform in coloration and with different body proportions
  • LepyroniaRelated spittlebug in Aphrophoridae; differs in body shape and spittle mass characteristics
  • Cercopidae (other genera)Clastoptera distinguished by globose body form; other cercopids typically more elongated or flattened

More Details

Taxonomic Complexity

The has a troubled taxonomic history due to extreme intraspecific variability. Most historical descriptions were based on size and color alone, which vary with sex, food plant, environment, and season. Stable requires extended collection and careful studies.

Family Placement

Clastoptera was historically placed in Cercopidae but is now classified in family Clastopteridae, reflecting revised understanding of spittlebug .

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Sources and further reading