SPITTLEBUG
Clastoptera sp.
SPITTLEBUGS (Clastopteridae)
A very small spittlebug, less than 1/4 inch (3 mm) long. It has a broad head with brown and white bands. Eyes widely spaced. Wings are dark brown with white markings. Legs are brown. Based on distribution and appearance this spittlebug is probably the Alder Spittlebug (Clastoptera obtusa).
This spittlebug is very common in eastern Nebraska and in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. The individual shown was one of many attracted to moth lights in June 2017 and 2018 in Fontenelle Forest. It is widely distributed throughout North America.
This spittlebug is known to use 20 different deciduous trees and shrub including alder, birch, hazelnut, hophornbeam and walnut as a food source. They can be locally very abundant.
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