Alder Spittlebug
Clastoptera obtusa
This record describes Clastoptera obtusa (species). Recorded family: Clastopteridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
variable in color; the dark lower half of the face is the only defining character. Abundant in warm areas east of the Rockies where alder grows, throughout temperate eastern NA
Wikipedia reference for Clastoptera obtusa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clastoptera_obtusa.
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
most of NA (NS-AB to GA-NM) - Map , mostly e.NA to BC
Diet and Behavior
Diet: found on 20 different deciduous trees/shrubs, incl. alder ( Alnus ), birch ( Betula ), hazelnut ( Corylus ), hophornbeam ( Ostrya ), walnut ( Juglans )...
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Clastoptera obtusa (Say, 1825) Cercopis obtusa Say, 1825 Aphrophora obtusa Say (1830) Ptyelus obtusus Walker (1851)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Clastoptera obtusa. 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 Alder Spittlebug (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov , John Pearson
Frequently Asked Questions About Alder Spittlebug
What is Alder Spittlebug?
Alder Spittlebug (Clastoptera obtusa) is a species in the family Clastopteridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Alder Spittlebug?
♂ 3.6-4.7 mm, ♀ 4.0-5.2 mm
How do you identify Alder Spittlebug?
variable in color; the dark lower half of the face is the only defining character.
Where is Alder Spittlebug found?
Range: most of NA (NS-AB to GA-NM) - Map , mostly e.NA to BC
What does Alder Spittlebug eat?
The diet of the Alder Spittlebug includes found on 20 different deciduous trees/shrubs, incl. alder ( Alnus ), birch ( Betula ), hazelnut ( Corylus ), hophornbeam ( Ostrya ), walnut ( Juglans )....