Red Cedar Spittlebug

Clastoptera arborina

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Superfamily: Cercopoidea
Family: Clastopteridae
Genus: Clastoptera
Species: arborina

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Clastoptera arborina: /klæˈstɒptɛrə ɑːˈbɔːrɪnə/

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Summary

Clastoptera arborina, commonly known as the red cedar spittlebug, is a spittlebug species belonging to the family Clastopteridae. It is primarily found in North America, associated with various coniferous trees, especially the Eastern Red Cedar.

Physical Characteristics

Males are 3.5-3.9 mm in length, and females are 3.7-4.1 mm long.

Identification Tips

Look for small, spittle-like nests found primarily on host plants.

Habitat

Typically associated with Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar) and similar vegetation.

Distribution

Much of the US, extending south to North Carolina, Iowa, and Arizona, as well as southern Ontario.

Diet

Feeding on the sap of host plants, primarily conifers.

Life Cycle

The life cycle details are not provided; typically, spittlebugs produce a frothy spittle mass around their nymphs.

Reproduction

Reproduction data is not specifically mentioned; however, spittlebugs generally reproduce in the spring and early summer.

Ecosystem Role

As sap feeders, they may have a role in transferring nutrients and impacting plant health.