Red-legged Spittlebug
Prosapia ignipecta
This record describes Prosapia ignipecta (species). Recorded family: Ischnorhinidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
To distinguish from black form of Prosapia bicincta , note the bright red coxae :
Wikipedia reference for Prosapia ignipecta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosapia_ignipectus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cercopoidea
- Family
- Ischnorhinidae (Ischnorhinid Spittlebugs)
- Genus
- Prosapia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Associated with a native grass, Little Bluestem ( Schizachyrium scoparium ). Nymphs are usually hidden under soil surface .
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Prosapia ignipecta. 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 Red-legged Spittlebug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , ceiseman , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Red-legged Spittlebug
What is Red-legged Spittlebug?
Red-legged Spittlebug (Prosapia ignipecta) is a species in the family Ischnorhinidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Red-legged Spittlebug?
circa 8 mm
How do you identify Red-legged Spittlebug?
To distinguish from black form of Prosapia bicincta , note the bright red coxae :
What is the life cycle of a Red-legged Spittlebug?
Associated with a native grass, Little Bluestem ( Schizachyrium scoparium ). Nymphs are usually hidden under soil surface .