Alder Spittlebug
Clastoptera obtusa
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
- Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
- Superfamily: Cercopoidea
- Family: Clastopteridae
- Genus: Clastoptera
- Species: obtusa
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Clastoptera obtusa: /klæsˈtɒptərə ɒbˈtjuːsə/
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Summary
Clastoptera obtusa, also known as the alder spittlebug, is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae found in North America. It is notably recognized by the dark lower half of its face and is primarily encountered in deciduous wooded areas, particularly where alders are abundant.
Physical Characteristics
♂ 3.6-4.7 mm, ♀ 4.0-5.2 mm; variable in color; the dark lower half of the face is the only defining character.
Identification Tips
Look for the dark lower half of the face which sets it apart from other similar species.
Habitat
Found on 20 different deciduous trees and shrubs including alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), hazelnut (Corylus), hophornbeam (Ostrya), and walnut (Juglans).
Distribution
Most of North America (NS-AB to GA-NM). Abundant in warm areas east of the Rockies where alder grows, throughout temperate eastern NA.
Tags
- Clastoptera obtusa
- Alder Spittlebug
- Hemiptera
- North America
- Spittlebug