Lepyronia angulifera
This record describes Lepyronia angulifera (species). Recorded family: Aphrophoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small spittle bug with the usual diamond-back pattern of the genus, but with a shorter and declivous [sloping downward toward the tip] top of the head (crown) than other related species. Has shorter and more convex front than the Diamondbacked spittlebug ( Lepyronia quadrangularis ), with comparatively broader wings. [composite of several comments by Andy Hamilton]
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
- Cloviini
- Genus
- Lepyronia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
scattered e. US records / Cuba - Map This is usually taken along the Atlantic coast, from NJ to the Caribbean islands, but a few isolated populations live in marshes in Michigan. This image from southern NY (just west of CT) represents a new state record, and was the furthest north that this coastal species had been found until this one from Burlington, Vermont. Records from Michigan refer to an undescribed species or subspecies. [composite of several comments by Andy Hamilton]
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lepyronia angulifera Uhler, 1876
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Lepyronia angulifera. 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 Lepyronia angulifera (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Lepyronia angulifera
What is Lepyronia angulifera?
Lepyronia angulifera is a species in the family Aphrophoridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Lepyronia angulifera?
A small spittle bug with the usual diamond-back pattern of the genus, but with a shorter and declivous [sloping downward toward the tip] top of the head (crown) than other related species. Has shorter and more convex front than the Diamondbacked spittlebug ( Lepyronia quadrangularis ), with comparatively broader wings. [composite of several comments by Andy Hamilton]
Where is Lepyronia angulifera found?
Range: scattered e. US records / Cuba - Map This is usually taken along the Atlantic coast, from NJ to the Caribbean islands, but a few isolated populations live in marshes in Michigan. This image from southern NY (just west of CT) represents a new state record, and was the furthest north that this coastal species had been found until this one from Burlington, Vermont. Records from Michigan refer to an undescribed species or subspecies. [composite of several comments by Andy Hamilton]