Hoppers of North Carolina

Hoppers of North Carolina:
Spittlebugs, Leafhoppers, Treehoppers, and Planthoppers

Family (Alpha):

DELPHACIDAE Members:	NC Records
Prokelisia marginata - No Common Name

Taxonomy

Family: DELPHACIDAE

Subfamily: Delphacinae

Identification

Online Photographs: BugGuide
Description: A light brownish species with yellowish to hyaline wings and a pale thorax and face. The frons has dark brown longitudinal markings along the median and is widest in the basal third; it is about two times longer than it is wide. Adult males are 2.3-4.1 mm long, while females are 3.4-4.4 mm. (Wilson, 1982)

Distribution in North Carolina

County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.

Distribution: Widespread in eastern North America from Gulf coast states to southern Canada; adventive to England, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Belgium (UDEL)

Abundance: Locally common along the coast where it has been recorded, probably found throughout the coast.

Seasonal Occurrence

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Habitats and Life History

Habitats: Grassy, marshy areas with Spartina (UDEL)

Plant Associates: Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) (UDEL)

Behavior:

Comment: NOTE: This species is similar to P. dolus but dolus tends to have a much broader frons near the frontoclypeal suture than does marginata (the frons of dolus appears wide whereas the frons of marginata appears elongate); marginata also tends to have a much paler, more white frons that dolus whose frons is brownish. Note this diagram of Prokelisia faces and see how the shape of the frons compares between dolus and marginata; dolus is typically less than two times longer than wide whereas marginata is around two times longer than wide. Compare images of specimens on the following page: UDEL. For differences in females of Prokelisia, see: Heady & Wilson, 1990.

Interestingly, Wilson (1982) states that an analysis of Prokelisia specimens collected revealed that there was a relationship, though not absolute, between wing length and species. 84.0% of P. dolus specimens were brachypters while 81.6% of P. marginata specimens were macropters. However, a majority of P. marginata from the Florida Keys were brachypters, with the theory being that greater stability of habitats leads to higher incidence of brachypters. Just something to keep in mind when finding brachypter or macropter Prokelisia dolus/marginata in the state.

Status: Native

Global and State Rank: GNR [G4G5] [S3S4]

See also Habitat Account for Salt and Brackish Marshes

Species Photo Gallery for Prokelisia marginata No Common Name
	Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf New Hanover Co. Comment: marsh grass: black needlerush, spartina, etc.	Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf New Hanover Co. Comment: marsh grass: black needlerush, spartina, etc.
	Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf New Hanover Co. Comment: marsh grass: black needlerush, spartina, etc.	Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf New Hanover Co. Comment: marsh grass: black needlerush, spartina, etc.
	Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn, Paul Scharf New Hanover Co. Comment: marsh grass: black needlerush, spartina, etc.

Prokelisia marginata - No Common Name

Species Photo Gallery for Prokelisia marginata No Common Name