Hawaii Invasive Species Council

Prosapia bicincta

Photo credit above: Left (Katja Schulz), right (Pavel Kirillov) 

Photo credit above from left tor right: Chelsea Arnott, John Flannery, Chelsea Arnott, Shannon Wilson, BIISC

DESCRIPTION:

• Adults have black wings with two orange or red lines across them, reddish black legs, and a red abdomen.
• TLSB adults are 8-10 mm long.
• Nymphs (the juvenile form of the insect) are reddish brown have a yellow to cream colored abdomen, and two small pink lines on the side.
• The nymphs feed on grasses, creating something known as a spittle mass. This white foamy mass is from their own spittle and the juices of their host plant. These can be found at ground level where the insect is present. 
• Both adults and nymphs feed on grasses. Adults cause more damage.
• Damage from adults feeding on grasses may present itself within 24 hours.
• ” The leaf blade dies in 1-3 days after feeding and the tiller dies in 3-4 days after feeding. Damage appears as yellow streaks or tips, followed by browning and curling. ” (TLSB Hawaii)
• In Hawaii the beginning and end of the TLSB season is highly variable. Generally, TLSB thrives in warm, humid conditions.  The TLSB season has been observed to begin between April and May with populations increasing to peak during summer.  In Kona, this corresponds with the wet season. The seasons winds down as temperatures get cooler and conditions get drier (typically in October in Kona) when the pest enters diapause. Diapause is a season of TLSB dormancy, where the eggs lie dormant and few nymphs or adults are found. [About TLSB — TLSB Hawaii]

IMPACTS:

• Heavy TLSB infestation can completely kill grass, and wipe out entire pastures

• Invasive weeds can take hold in areas of dead grass killed by spittle bugs which has devastating effects on cattle-farmers, who depend on the grass as forage for their herds. 
• TLSB has the potential to devastate the cattle industry and make long lasting changes to the landscape.
• In Kona where TLSB was first found and is still present, pastures have not recovered from damage. Former pastureland has become a reserve for invasive weeds.
• TLSB has been reported in the residential area of Kona attacking lawns, sod, orchards, and other landscapes. [BIISC]
• Both TLSB adults and nymphs damage grass by feeding on plant juices through their needle-like mouthparts. TLSB saliva contains amylase, an enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars which interferes with photosynthesis and carbohydrate translocation. TLSB damage decreases nutritional value, palatability, productivity, and can eventually kill the grasses.  About TLSB — TLSB Hawaii
• Unlike other spittlebugs in Hawai’i, the TLSB nymph spittle mass is found at or even below the soil level, making them difficult to detect. 

ERADICATION & CONTROL METHODS:

• To assess whether or not treatment is necessary, turf must be checked down at the soil line for spittle masses.
• Current recommendations focus on intensive and targeted grazing of infested areas during early and late nymph stages.
• Targeted and limited use of pesticides is suggested in new areas of infestation and critical areas. 
• As TLSB is relatively new to Hawaii, research is on-going and in development, including Integrated pest management extension materials. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Hawaiʻi Island residents should be alert to unexplained patches of dead grass they encounter on their properties.   Report to 643pest.org with photos if there isn’t another explanation for the dead grass. 
• Hawaiʻi Island residents should avoid moving potted plants, soil, other live plant material to other parts of the island. Especially from the West side to other areas of the island. 
• Anyone leaving infested areas, such as hunters and ranch workers, should clean the mud off of their wheels and wheel wells before traveling to another district of the island. 
• Adult TLSB actively jump and fly around, and can become trapped in vehicles and gear. Please use care and inspect vehicles and gear for TLSB when leaving pastures and natural areas that are infested to avoid transporting them to other areas around the island. BIISC
• Share info with friends and family. Support for funding and research against TLSB by submitting testimony in support.