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Spittlebugs |
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Spittlebugs |
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| The true
spittlebugs are usually visible as masses of froth
(sometimes called "cuckoo-spit") clinging to the stems of shrubs or small
trees. This froth is not produced by all species but is used by nymphs
of many species either to reduce the risk of dehydration or to deter parasites.
Adults are free living. The most common and widespread species in Australia
are the brown Philagra parva, which has a narrow curved horn on
the front of the head, and the beetle-like
Bathylus albicinctus
which feeds primarily on herbaceous plants.
New Zealand has a rich aphrophorid fauna, particularly in the genus Carystoterpa. The well known European species Philaenus spumarius has been introduced to New Zealand [update: 12.ii.2001]. Australia and New Zealand have almost mutually exclusive aphrophorid faunas even at the generic level, Carystoterpa being restricted to New Zealand except for the endemic C. fusiformis on Norfolk Island and Basilioterpa with a single species restricted to Three Kings Island (NZ) and two endemic species on Lord Howe Island (NSW). The Australian spittlebug Bathylus albicinctus was first detected in the Whangerei region of NZ in 2004 and appears to have established a permanent population (Ashcroft and George 2004) [update: 13.iv.2005] |
Philagra parva (Donovan) Press for species lists
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Document 4195, submitted 13 April 2005 © NSW Agriculture, 2005 Top of page | Related titles |
