Clastoptera saintcyri
Provancher, 1872
Heath Spittlebug
Clastoptera saintcyri, commonly known as the heath spittlebug, is a of spittlebug in the Clastopteridae. It is native to North America and has been documented across multiple regions of the United States. The species produces protective spittle masses during its nymphal stage, a characteristic trait of spittlebugs. It has been recorded as prey for the digger wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Clastoptera saintcyri: //klæˈstɒptərə seɪnˈsiːraɪ//
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Distribution
Documented from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and District of Columbia based on GBIF records. The is broadly distributed in North America.
Diet
As a member of the Clastopteridae, nymphs feed on plant xylem sap and produce characteristic spittle masses for protection. Specific plant associations for this are not documented.
Life Cycle
Nymphs produce protective spittle masses. Specific details of deposition, nymphal instars, or longevity for this are not documented.
Ecological Role
Prey for digger wasps; has been recorded in nests of Clitemnestra bipunctata, which provisions with paralyzed spittlebugs including this .
Similar Taxa
- Clastoptera obtususAnother Clastoptera found in the same geographic region and also recorded as prey for Clitemnestra bipunctata; distinguished by morphological features not detailed in available sources.
- Philaenus leucophthalmusA spittlebug in a different (Aphrophoridae) that co-occurs as prey for the same ; belongs to a different with distinct morphological characteristics.
More Details
Predation by Clitemnestra bipunctata
Clitemnestra bipunctata (Crabronidae) has been documented provisioning nests with paralyzed spittlebugs, including Clastoptera saintcyri. The stores 6-18 prey per in burrows 9-20 cm deep. This represents a significant documented ecological interaction for this .