Clastoptera delicata
Uhler, 1876
spittlebug
Clastoptera delicata is a of spittlebug in the Clastopteridae, first described by Uhler in 1876. It is found in western North America, with records from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Oregon. Like other spittlebugs, its nymphs produce characteristic frothy masses of spittle on plants. The species has been documented as prey for the crabronid Clitemnestra bipunctata, which paralyzes and provisions its nests with spittlebugs.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Clastoptera delicata: /klæstoʊˈptɛrə dɛlɪˈkeɪtə/
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Distribution
Western North America: Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Oregon.
Ecological Role
Prey item for predatory ; specifically recorded as prey for Clitemnestra bipunctata (Crabronidae), which hunts spittlebugs to provision underground nests.
Similar Taxa
- Clastoptera obtususCongeneric spittlebug also recorded as prey for Clitemnestra bipunctata; distinguished by morphological differences not detailed in available sources.