Diamondback Spittlebug
Lepyronia quadrangularis
This record describes Lepyronia quadrangularis (species). Recorded family: Aphrophoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
immature
Wikipedia reference for Lepyronia quadrangularis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepyronia_quadrangularis.
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
Locally abundant in weedy areas east of the Rocky Mts
Geographic Range
e. NA to AB - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: May-Oct (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lepyronia quadrangularis (Say 1825)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Lepyronia quadrangularis. 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 Diamondback Spittlebug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Claude Pilon , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Diamondback Spittlebug
How big is Diamondback Spittlebug?
8-10 mm
How do you identify Diamondback Spittlebug?
immature
Where is Diamondback Spittlebug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Locally abundant in weedy areas east of the Rocky Mts |
| Range | e. NA to AB - Map |
When is Diamondback Spittlebug active?
Diamondback Spittlebug: seasonal activity - mostly: May-Oct (BG data).