Prokelisia marginata

(Van Duzee, 1897)

Prokelisia marginata is a wing-dimorphic delphacid planthopper native to North American salt marshes, where it feeds on phloem sap of Spartina grasses. contain two distinct forms: flightless brachypters and fully-winged macropters capable of . Wing-form is determined environmentally during nymphal development, primarily by crowding and plant quality, representing a conditional strategy that balances local against tracking. The has established populations in Britain, where it exploits the introduced cordgrass Spartina anglica.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Prokelisia marginata: /proʊˈkɛlɪʃə ˌmɑrdʒɪˈneɪtə/

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Identification

Distinguished from by association with Spartina alterniflora in Atlantic and Gulf Coast salt marshes. Wing dimorphism (co-occurring brachypterous and ) is diagnostic at the level. Differentiated from Prokelisia dolus by plant preference and distribution. In Britain, identified by presence on Spartina anglica stands.

Habitat

Intertidal salt marshes dominated by Spartina grasses. Specifically associated with Spartina alterniflora in native range and Spartina anglica in introduced British . Occupies both stable, permanent marsh patches and temporary, seasonal stands. Found on plant stems, with highest densities on seed and nutritionally superior plant parts.

Distribution

Native to Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of North America, from New England through Florida and west to Texas. Documented in California, Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida. Introduced and established in Britain, where it has spread to salt marshes on the east and south coasts of England and south Wales.

Seasonality

Multivoltine with multiple per year. Active year-round in stable southern ; in temporary northern marsh patches disappear during winter, requiring recolonization by macropters.

Diet

Phloem sap feeder specializing on Spartina grasses. In native range, feeds selectively on Spartina alterniflora. In Britain, exploits Spartina anglica. and nymphs occur most abundantly on plant parts with highest crude protein content, particularly seed .

Host Associations

Spartina alterniflora - primary plantNative in North American salt marshes; feeds on phloem sap
Spartina anglica - plant in introduced range cordgrass in Britain; supports established P. marginata

Life Cycle

inserted into plant tissue. Nymphal development occurs on host plants, with wing-form determined during this stage by environmental cues (crowding, host quality). emerge as either brachypters or macropters. Brachypters reproduce earlier and at higher rates; macropters delay for . Multiple per year.

Behavior

-dependent and -quality-dependent wing represents a conditional strategy. Macropters actively disperse between patches, colonize new areas, and track spatial variation in habitat quality. Brachypters remain in natal patches, reproduce earlier, and achieve higher . Macropters demonstrate superior habitat selection ability, occurring at higher densities in high-quality patches and colonizing defaunated plots that brachypters cannot reach.

Ecological Role

Herbivore of salt marsh grasses, capable of significantly impacting plant performance metrics at typical field densities. Food source for including Anagrus delicatus ( parasitoid) and spiders. In Britain, heavy herbivory on Spartina anglica may compromise salt marsh sediment stabilization functions.

Human Relevance

in Britain where it threatens services provided by Spartina anglica, particularly estuarine sediment stabilization. Subject of extensive ecological research on wing , selection, and . No documented direct economic impact or benefit to humans in native range.

Similar Taxa

Prokelisia dolus with overlapping range and similar ; distinguished by plant associations and preferences
Spartina-feeding delphacidsOther planthoppers associated with Spartina grasses; differentiated by specific relationships and wing-form patterns

More Details

Wing polymorphism mechanism

Wing-form is not genetically inherited but determined by a developmental switch triggered during the nymphal stage. Threshold for macroptery response to crowding differs between Atlantic and Gulf Coast , with Atlantic populations producing greater macroptery proportions under equivalent crowded conditions.

Invasion biology

British show evidence of natural enemy release, with no detected in over 71,000 individuals inspected. Only spiders provide potential natural enemy control.