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Ornamentals and Turf |
It seems a little early this year, but twolined spittlebug adults are active. Twolined spittlebugs are small (1/4 inch in length), dark-colored insects that resemble overgrown leafhoppers. They have two orange horizontal lines across brown wings. As these small insects fly, the dark red abdomen shows conspicuously. Normally in late summer and early fall, the adult twolined spittlebugs fly to hollies (and other plants) to feed. Feeding damage appears as splotchy areas on the underside leaf tissue. There are no holes in the leaves. Damage causes hollies to become splotchy and yellow and cause the leaves to drop prematurely. Unfortunately, most of the damage is being done now, but the symptoms will not be noticed until later.
Female twolined spittlebugs lay their eggs in turf grasses. The eggs are inserted into the plant stem or between the stem and leaf sheath. When the nymphs hatch from their eggs, they begin to feed. Spittlebugs suck sap from the plants with their needle-like mouthparts. As the nymphs feed, they excrete the spittle which protects them from predaceous mites and insects. Because spittlebugs feed on turf grasses near the soil, their numbers may be high without being noticeable. Only after the adults emerge is the seriousness of an infestation realized. A garden spray containing acephate (Orthene) or a pyrethroid insecticide may be used for twolined spittlebugs management on hollies if the problem is serious. Treat the undersides of leaves. In most cases plants are not threatened to the point of requiring chemical control. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 97 explains some of the biology of twolined spittlebugs.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on July 14, 2003 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.
