Two-lined spittlebug

The twolined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) adult is about 3/8 inch, black with two distinctive orange-to-red crosswise lines on the wings and red eyes; the soft, pale nymphs hide within conspicuous frothy white spittle masses at the base of the turf. Infestation is recognized by these spittle masses low in the canopy and by adults that flush out when the turf is disturbed, especially in centipedegrass.

Grass blades that yellow, then turn brown or purplish and wilt as adults inject phytotoxic saliva while feeding, progressing to dead patches under heavy pressure; lawns with large nymph populations carry abundant frothy spittle masses near the soil that feel squishy underfoot.

Twolined spittlebugs are true bugs with gradual metamorphosis and typically two generations per year in the Southeast. They overwinter as eggs in thatch and plant debris; nymphs hatch in spring, feed within protective spittle masses through several instars, then mature into adults. A first adult generation appears in early summer and a larger, more damaging second generation in late summer, with adults surviving up to about six weeks under favorable temperatures (roughly 72 to 95 F).

Damage is favored by dense, thatchy turf that holds the humidity nymphs need, and peaks with the late-summer adult generation. Centipedegrass is the most susceptible host, though all turf species and some ornamentals can be attacked; heavy thatch and abundant moisture drive outbreaks.