Juniper Spittlebug – Clastopera juniperina

Juniper Spittlebug (Clastopera juniperina) Common Name: Juniper Spittlebug Latin Name: Clastopera juniperina Appearance: The nymphs have dark yellow bodies with some brown patterns, and they are discovered buried in the mound of spittle that the adults create. Adults are difficult to spot, but when they appear, they are about a quarter of an inch long, rectangular in shape, and light brown with some mottled patterning. Host plant: Juniper, arborvitae are host plants Territory: It is found in North America Damages caused by Juniper Spittlebug: During the months of late May and June, while the nymphs are developing into adults, they cover themselves in mounds of spittle, which may be rather unpleasant. On the other hand, the juniper spittlebug is responsible for relatively little damage to plants that have already established themselves, although yellow spots may be seen. Life history and habits: Eggs overwinter in twig tips throughout June and early July, hatching the following spring, usually around mid-May. The nymphs use piercing/sucking mouthparts to eat within the xylem. They continually produce fluid in the form of bubbles during eating, enclosing the body in the distinctive spittle mass. Development takes roughly a month after the egg hatches, and nymphs create spittle masses that attract attention in the last two weeks of development. Adults lack spittle masses and have a plain appearance.