Origin:
Native to North America and present throughout much of the eastern third of the U.S., but most prevalent and damaging in the southeastern states.
Biology:
Like other Homopterans the spittlebugs feed with a proboscis that pierces the plant tissues to remove the plant’s fluids. Turf is the major plant host of this species, and feeding causes a purplish or a white stripe to form along the grass blade. Centipedegrass is a favored turf host. Heavy feeding can cause collapse of the blades and an overall decline of turf in an area. There may be up to 3 generations per year, each taking about 2.5 months to complete. The overwintering stage is the eggs, which hatch in early spring. Eggs are deposited at the base of the grass blades in the thatch.
Identification:
The conspicuous adults are about ¼ inch long and shiny black with 2 thin red lines running sideways across their wings. The nymphs are smaller, wingless, and cream colored, but generally immersed in the white foam that they exude for their protection.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Removal of thatch will reduce populations, particularly in the fall when eggs may be present in the thatch. Allowing turf to dry between water cycles also discourages the insects. Insecticide applications can be applied to the turf, with liquid formulations providing better control than granular products.
