Biology of the Two-Lined Spittlebug, Prosapia Bicincta, on Florida Pastures (Homoptera: Cercopidae)

Abstract

Biological studies on the two-lined spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta (Say), were conducted at 3 locations in Florida. It overwinters in the egg stage. Eggs hatched in 19 days under optimum conditions. There were 5 nymphal instars and the nymphal period averaged 50 days. The life cycle was about 76 days from egg to egg. Nymphs were recorded on 40 plants, predominantly grasses. Transformation to adult took place within the spittlemass formed at the last feeding site of the 5th instar nymph. Females evidently mate before and after oviposition. Virgin females 2-6 days old gave off a perfume-like odor. Caged females began ovipositing when 7 days old and averaged 50.3 eggs. Two parasites and 4 predators were recorded on the adults. In light trap studies, about 85% of the adults were captured within 4 hr after sunset. There were 2 peaks of seasonal abundance in light traps, one in June and another in August to early September. Catches averaged 96% males. Adults, rather than nymphs, apparently cause the visible damage to the grass. Single adults caged on individual stems of pangolagrass killed the blades in 1-3 days and the stems in 3-4 days.