Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
C.H. Dietrich, 2005 (
PDF doc) raises the traditional subfamilies Aphrophorinae and Clastopterinae to family level (Clastopteridae; Aphrophoridae - each of which contains a single genus)
Explanation of Names
Spittlebug: nymphs surround themselves with a frothy mass that resembles spittle
Numbers
either 67 species in 9 genera in North America (listed at
nearctica.com)
or only 15 species in 7 genera, when Aphrophorinae and Clastopterinae are raised to family level, as per Dietrich, 2005, mentioned above
Size
Small, rarely over 13 mm.
Identification
one or two stout spines on the hind tibiae, and a circlet of spines at the apex.
Remarks
After the nymph molts for the final time, the resulting adult insect leaves the mass of "spittle" and moves about actively.
The "spittle" is derived from a fluid voided from the anus and from a mucilaginous substance excreted by epidermal glands.
Spittlebug nymphs wander away from their spittle masses, and either start new ones, or enter those of other nymphs. Aphrophora nymphs hold the record, of one spittle mass over a foot long containing about 100 individuals! (Comment by Andy Hamilton).
See Also
Leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) have one or two rows of spines on the hind tibiae, lacking in Spittlebugs
Internet References
live adult image of
Prosapia bicincta plus family characteristics (John Foltz, U. of Florida)
live adult images of several spittlebug species (Insects of West Virginia)
