Hoppers of North Carolina:
Spittlebugs, Leafhoppers, Treehoppers, and Planthoppers
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APHROPHORIDAE Members: NC Records

Lepyronia angulifera - Angular Spittlebug


Lepyronia angulifera
© Kyle Kittelberger- side view
Lepyronia angulifera
© Kyle Kittelberger- top view
Taxonomy
Family: APHROPHORIDAE
Taxonomic Author: Uhler, 1876
Identification
Online Photographs: BugGuide, GBIF  iNaturalist  Google                                                                                  
Description: A small spittlebug, brownish in coloration with a dark brown to black "V"- shaped mark on the elytra, sometimes less boldly defined in certain individual. Compared to L. quadrangularis, this species is smaller, with comparatively shorter but broader wings; it is very helpful to have measurements of potential members of this species. L. angulifera also has a shorter and declivous top of the head than L. quadrangularis; the head more strongly slopes downward (BG); this field mark is not always apparent unless viewed from the side. Males are 4.0-4.4 mm long, while females are 5.0-6.1 mm long (MNFI).
Distribution in North Carolina
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Distribution: Rare to uncommon across much of its range in the United States. Found primarily along the Atlantic coast, from Massachusetts south into the Caribbean with some Northeastern and Gulf records. A population also exists in the marshes of Michigan and other Midwestern states. (MNFI)
Abundance: Uncommon to rare, recorded from only several counties.
Seasonal Occurrence
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Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Found in areas where prairie ferns and spike-rush, as well as other plants, can be found. This species may favor areas where burns periodically take place. (MNFI)
Plant Associates: Feeds on a wide variety of plants; closely associated with prairie ferns and spike rush (Eleocharis sp.), at least in Michigan (MNFI); also feed on Bristlegrass (Setaria geniculata), Espartillo grass (Sporobolus indicus), and sedge (Cyperus swartzii). (Hamilton, 1982)
Behavior:
Comment: The population found in the interior of the United States, in Michigan and the surrounding states, may represent an undescribed species or subspecies. (BG)
Status: Native
Global and State Rank:

Species Photo Gallery for Lepyronia angulifera Angular Spittlebug

Lepyronia anguliferaPhoto by: North Carolina State University Insect Collection
Cumberland Co.
Comment:
Lepyronia anguliferaPhoto by: North Carolina State University Insect Collection
Cumberland Co.
Comment: