Clastoptera mineralis
Thompson, 2023
Clastoptera mineralis is a recently described of spittlebug in the Clastopteridae, formally named in 2023. The Clastoptera contains species commonly known as spittlebugs or froghoppers, recognized for the nymphal habit of producing protective foam masses on vegetation. As a newly described species, detailed biological information remains limited. It belongs to a family of xylem-feeding insects that are frequently preyed upon by solitary .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Clastoptera mineralis: /klæˈstɒp.tə.rə mɪˈnɛr.əlɪs/
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Ecological Role
Spittlebugs in the Clastopteridae serve as prey for solitary in the family Crabronidae. The wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata has been documented preying on related spittlebug including Clastoptera obtusus, and may potentially prey upon C. mineralis given the wasp's broad range within Cercopoidea.
More Details
Taxonomic recency
Described by Thompson in 2023, making it one of the more recently recognized in the Clastoptera.
Observation scarcity
As of source date, only 7 observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating limited detection or restricted range.