Willow Spittlebug
Aphrophora salicina
This record describes Aphrophora salicina (species). Recorded family: Aphrophoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
frequently abundant in the New England where it was introduced from Europe prior to 1921; spreads slowly, may range into se. Canada Recently recorded in eastern Canada (QC)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Nymphs & adults feed on twigs of native and introduced willows ( Salix )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphrophora salicina (Goeze 1778)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphrophora salicina. 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 Willow Spittlebug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Nick Block , LudoL
Frequently Asked Questions About Willow Spittlebug
How big is Willow Spittlebug?
males, 9.0-10.0 mm; females, 9.4-11.2 mm
Where is Willow Spittlebug found?
Range: frequently abundant in the New England where it was introduced from Europe prior to 1921; spreads slowly, may range into se. Canada Recently recorded in eastern Canada (QC)
What does Willow Spittlebug eat?
The diet of the Willow Spittlebug includes Nymphs & adults feed on twigs of native and introduced willows ( Salix ).