Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Dunn, J.P
• Summerfield, C.J
• Johnson, M

Titel

Distribution, seasonal cycle, host plant records, and habitat evaluation of a Michigan threatened insect: the great plains spittlebug, Lepyronia gibbosa (Homoptera: Cercopidae)

Ist Teil von

• Great Lakes entomologist, 2002-09, Vol.35 (2), p.121-129

Erscheinungsjahr

2002

Quelle

EZB Electronic Journals Library

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Distribution, seasonal cycle, and host plant preference of the great plains spittlebug, Lepryronia gibbosa, were determined in western Michigan during 1999-2002. This species is listed as state threatened and has formally occupied the sand prairie (barrens) and oak savannah habitats that are among the rarest and most endangered ecosystems in Michigan. Surveys were conducted in 11 counties of western Michigan from mid-May through early September. Fifty of 61 sites surveyed had populations of the spittlebug. Prairie remnants with the highest populations occurred within the historical boundaries of the original sand prairie/barrens that surround the Newaygo area. Nymphs occurred from May 17 to July 10, and adults occurred from June 20 to September 7. Nymphs fed upon a large group of phylogenetically unrelated plants. In contrast, adults were collected only upon little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, and big bluestem, Andropogon gerardi. Measures of habitat quality indicated that the invasion of alien and off-site plants and were a major factor (>20% total plant cover) at 57% of the sites. Only 6.6% of the sites had a cover of prairie grasses greater than 15% of total plant cover. Damage to soils and plants caused by the illegal operation of motorized vehicles off of designated trails and roads was evident at 80% of the sites. Populations of L. gibbosa were found to be common in west-central Michigan which suggests that this threatened species may be more elusive than rare due to a lack of scientific survey for invertebrates. However, concern for its survival should continue as S. scoparium and A. gerardi (adult host plants) are declining on all sites.