Balanced Polymorphism in the Meadow Spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius

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Abstract
In North America, Europe, and Asia, the adults of the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius, occur in a variety of sympatric color forms. Four color forms were found in samples collected in alfalfa fields and in an abandoned field in southeastern Michigan. One form is restricted to females. No significant seasonal changes in relative frequency of the color forms was found in the alfalfa fields or in the abandoned field, despite marked seasonal fluctuations in the total number of spittlebugs. Nor were there any significant changes in relative frequency in samples collected on the abandoned field during four successive years. Some possible mechanisms by which such a polymorphism is maintained are discussed.

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