Juniper Spittlebug
Clastoptera juniperina
This record describes Clastoptera juniperina (species). Recorded family: Clastopteridae. 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
- Clastopteridae (Clastopterid Spittlebugs)
- Genus
- Clastoptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. NA (so. BC to Mexico)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Juniperus , Thuja (Cupressaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Clastoptera juniperina Ball 1919
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Clastoptera juniperina. 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 Juniper Spittlebug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Juniper Spittlebug
How big is Juniper Spittlebug?
♂ 4.1-4.3 mm, ♀ 4.1-5.0 mm
Where is Juniper Spittlebug found?
Range: w. NA (so. BC to Mexico)
What does Juniper Spittlebug eat?
The diet of the Juniper Spittlebug includes hosts: Juniperus , Thuja (Cupressaceae).