Hill-prairie Spittlebug
Lepyronia gibbosa
This record describes Lepyronia gibbosa (species). Recorded family: Aphrophoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Lepyronia gibbosa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepyronia_gibbosa.
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
Habitat
The "hill prairie spittlebug" likes well-drained soils, so sandy areas, gravel plains and morainal hills are favoured. But you will also find them in pastures etc. which were once prairie, because they aren't fussy about what they eat. (Andy Hamilton, 11.vii.2008)
Geographic Range
Great Plains - Map (Andy Hamilton, 11.vii.2008)
Seasonal Activity
In Michigan, nymphs occurred 17.v-10.vii; adults, 20.vi-7.ix (Dunn et al. 2003)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: In Michigan, nymphs fed upon a large group of phylogenetically unrelated plants. In contrast, adults were collected only upon little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium , and big bluestem, Andropogon gerardi . (Dunn et al. 2003)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lepyronia gibbosa Ball 1899
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Lepyronia gibbosa. 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 Hill-prairie Spittlebug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Hill-prairie Spittlebug
How big is Hill-prairie Spittlebug?
males 6.9-7.2 mm, females 8.2-9.6 mm
Where is Hill-prairie Spittlebug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | The hill prairie spittlebug likes well-drained soils, so sandy areas, gravel plains and morainal hills are favoured. But you will also find them in pastures etc. which were once prairie, because they aren't fussy about what they eat. (Andy Hamilton, 11.vii.2008) |
| Range | Great Plains - Map (Andy Hamilton, 11.vii.2008) |
What does Hill-prairie Spittlebug eat?
The diet of the Hill-prairie Spittlebug includes In Michigan, nymphs fed upon a large group of phylogenetically unrelated plants. In contrast, adults were collected only upon little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium , and big bluestem, Andropogon gerardi . (Dunn et al. 2003).
When is Hill-prairie Spittlebug active?
Hill-prairie Spittlebug: seasonal activity - In Michigan, nymphs occurred 17.v-10.vii; adults, 20.vi-7.ix (Dunn et al. 2003).