Four-spotted Spittlebug
Aphrophora quadrinotata
This record describes Aphrophora quadrinotata (species). Recorded family: Aphrophoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Dets. Kyle Kittelberger
Wikipedia reference for Aphrophora quadrinotata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrophora_quadrinotata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cercopoidea
- Family
- Aphrophoridae (Aphrophorid Spittlebugs)
- Subfamily
- Aphrophorinae
- Tribe
- Aphrophorini
- Genus
- Aphrophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to c.TX - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: grass, low vegetation, Vernonia baldwinii (Baldwin's ironweed)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphrophora quadrinotata Say, 1830
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphrophora quadrinotata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Four-spotted Spittlebug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Four-spotted Spittlebug
How do you identify Four-spotted Spittlebug?
Dets. Kyle Kittelberger
Where is Four-spotted Spittlebug found?
Range: e. NA to c.TX - Map
What does Four-spotted Spittlebug eat?
The diet of the Four-spotted Spittlebug includes grass, low vegetation, Vernonia baldwinii (Baldwin's ironweed).