Balanced Polymorphism in North American Populations of the Meadow Spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (Homoptera: Cercopidae). 1. North American Morphs1
- 15 May 1972
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Annals of the Entomological Society of America
- Vol. 65 (3) , 710-719
- https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/65.3.710
Abstract
Some 12,000 specimens of the highly polymorphic meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.), from all parts of North America, were examined and the number of color morphs represented in these populations was determined, described, and illustrated. Additionally, 22 more varieties described in the literature were examined for possible acceptance as morphs. The object of this study was to identify distinct phenotypes which could then be examined for genetic and distributional differences so as ultimately to allow a satisfactory explanation of the adaptive significance of the polymorphism in this species. Twelve morphs were described from North America, 2 more were recognized in European populations, and 3 other varieties were designated possible morphs. The other varieties were regarded as either synonymous with described morphs or as probable mutants or misidentifications.Keywords
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