Observations on the Biology and Cultural-Insecticidal Control of Prosapia bicincta, a Spittlebug, on Coastal Bermudagrass1

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Abstract
Since 1955 the occurrence and habits of a spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta (Say), have been observed. Comparison of fields planted to Coastal Bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., revealed an apparent relationship between pasture management and infestation by this insect. Its seasonal occurrence from 1955 to 1961 is shown graphically and its biology, as observed in the laboratory, is described. Laboratory cage tests on Bermudagrass to determine amount and kind of injury showed that dieback or blighted appearance of the grass was in direct proportion to the number of nymphs or adults per cage. Field tests to determine efficiency of several cultural methods revealed that overwintering insects were completely controlled by burning, in early April, all refuse and dead grass remaining from the previous year. Several granular insecticides, applied on September 2 to control a heavy infestation of second-generation nymphs, all reduced the populations, but not significantly.

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