A Spittle Bug (Paraphilaenus parallelus)

Overview

There is no overview information available for that species.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - both state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for A Spittle Bug (Paraphilaenus parallelus). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where occurrences of this species meet NHI data standards and is not meant as a comprehensive map of all observations.

Note: Species recently added to the NHI Working List may temporarily have blank occurrence maps.

Species guidance

Identification: A spittlebug (Cercopidae), which is very similar to leafhoppers but the hind tibiae usually have only 1 or 2 larger spines where the leafhoppers usually have rows of small spines. A large, slender, ochre-yellow species with a broad black band down the middle of the back and pale costal margins on the forewings. Length: 7.5-9.2mm.

Habitat: Alkaline fens in Wisconsin.

Host Plant: Sedges, Carex spp.

State Distribution: Marquette and Waukesha Cos.

Global Distribution: Found in: Illinois near Lake Michigan, southeast WI, MI, and ON in Lake Huron.

Status Comments: Appears to be highly dependent on prairie remnants.

Rationale for Species Listing and Threats: Loss of prairie habitat.

Phenology: Adults present late summer.

Life and Natural History: Usually females lay their eggs in grass stems or sheaths. The nymphs of spittlebugs surround themselves with a frothy mass that keeps them moist while they feed on the plant. Presumably the mature insects that appear in late summer lay eggs that overwinter (Hamilton, pers.comm.)

Survey Guidelines: Sweepnet.

Inventory, Monitoring and Research Needs: Wetlands need inventory for leafhoppers, grasshoppers, spittlebugs.

Additional Information: This is a cercopid (spittle bugs), not a cicadellidae (leafhoppers).

Other resources

Links to additional A Spittle Bug information

• The Insects of Cedar Creek, MN Photos (John Haarstad) [exit DNR]

Other links related to leafhoppers and true bugs

• NatureServe Explorer
• The Field Museum [exit DNR]
• NC State University Entomology Department [exit DNR]
• University of CA Museum of Paleontology [exit DNR]
• University of MN - Aquatic Insect Interactive Verification Program [exit DNR]
• Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program: Guide to Aquatic Invertebrates of the Upper Midwest [exit DNR]

Photos/Video

Photos

Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program for educational uses. Photo use