Oak Spittlebug
Clastoptera querci
This record describes Clastoptera querci (species). Recorded family: Clastopteridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species was just described (Sept. 25, 2020). This species showed up in Florida about a decade ago, possibly from Cuba. Primary hosts are oak for nymphs and adults. The red markings on the vertex and anterior pronotum are distinctive, as is the greenish pronotum in many specimens. This species also has a distinctly outlined bulla (apical wing callous), whereas C. obtusa has a more diffuse bulla. (pers. comments from V. Stanton to K. Kittelberger)
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
Florida
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Quercus sp. (oak)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Clastoptera querci. 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 Oak Spittlebug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , TurtleDude , antarctica , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Spittlebug
What is Oak Spittlebug?
Oak Spittlebug (Clastoptera querci) is a species in the family Clastopteridae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Oak Spittlebug found?
Range: Florida
What does Oak Spittlebug eat?
The diet of the Oak Spittlebug includes Quercus sp. (oak).