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| synonym |
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| description |
A variable species with many color forms. Males are typically almost all black with yellow legs. Some black males also have red eyes and a hint of red on the elytron. The black can vary to a brownish color, and the black can either cover the whole elytron or only part ot it; the underside is typically yellow except for a black band between the eyes. Females are frequently boldly striped with alternating bands of yellow and black on both the wings and thorax and head. In some individuals, part of the yellow markings is replaced with orange. Adult males are 2.7- 3.5 mm long, while females are 3.2- 4.1 mm; see here for a size comparison in a mating pair. (Hamilton, 1982) |
| distribution |
Eastern North America, west to Wisconsin (BG) |
| abundance |
Several scattered records across the Piedmont and mountains, with a couple recent records; possibly more abundant in the right habitat. |
| seasonal_occurrence | |
| habitat |
Heath situations in mixed pine-maple forests (BG) |
| plant associates |
Nymphs feed on Large Cranberry (Vaccinium mactocarpon) and probably many other Ericaceae (heaths, flowering plants). Adults feed on various Ericaceae, including: Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Evergreen shrub (Leucothoe sp.), Huckleberry (Gaylussacia sp.), Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), Sweet Gale (Myrica Gale), and Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). (Hamilton, 1982) |
| behavior |
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| comments |
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status |
[Native:]
[Introduced:]
[Extirpated:] | | list_type |
[Official:]
[Provisional:] |
| adult_id | Unmistakable and widely known Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens
Identifiable from photos showing undersides, or other specialized views [e.g., legs, face]
Identifiable only by close inspection of structural features or by DNA analysis NULL |
| nymph_id | Unmistakable and widely known Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants
Identifiable from close inspection of specimens or by DNA analysis
Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood NULL |
| G_rank |
GNR [G4G5] |
| S_rank |
[S4S5] |
| rank_comments |
- Only a few NC records but is a wide ranging species; associated with a variety of heath-containing habitats |
| tribe |
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| subgenus |
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Species Photo Gallery for Clastoptera saintcyri Heath Spittlebug |
 | Photo by: Harry Wilson
Wake Co.
Comment: |  | Photo by: Harry Wilson
Wake Co.
Comment: male |
 | Photo by: North Carolina State University Insect Collection
Montgomery Co.
Comment: female, pinned specimen |  | Photo by: North Carolina State University Insect Collection
Montgomery Co.
Comment: female, pinned specimen |
 | Photo by: North Carolina State University Insect Collection
Montgomery Co.
Comment: male, pinned specimen |  | Photo by: North Carolina State University Insect Collection
Montgomery Co.
Comment: male, pinned specimen |
 | Photo by: North Carolina State University Insect Collection
Montgomery Co.
Comment: male, pinned specimen |  | Photo by: Roger Shaw
Burke Co.
Comment: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/52882526; near blueberries |
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