Heath Spittlebug
Clastoptera saintcyri
This record describes Clastoptera saintcyri (species). Recorded family: Clastopteridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Clastoptera saintcyri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clastoptera_saintcyri.
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
Habitat
heath situations in mixed pine-maple woods
Geographic Range
e. NA to Brazos R., e. TX (NS-NC to ON-WI) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: nymphal hosts: Vaccinium macrocarpon and probably many other Ericaceae; adults feed on various Ericaceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Clastoptera saintcyri Provancher 1872
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Clastoptera saintcyri. 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 Heath Spittlebug (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Heath Spittlebug
How big is Heath Spittlebug?
♂ 2.7-3.5 mm, ♀ 3.2-4.1 mm
Where is Heath Spittlebug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | heath situations in mixed pine-maple woods |
| Range | e. NA to Brazos R., e. TX (NS-NC to ON-WI) - Map |
What does Heath Spittlebug eat?
The diet of the Heath Spittlebug includes nymphal hosts: Vaccinium macrocarpon and probably many other Ericaceae; adults feed on various Ericaceae.