Establishment, pest status, and management of the twolined spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta, in Hawaii

The twolined spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta, native to the southeastern continental U.S., was detected for the first time in Hawaii in 2016. Field surveys were conducted on Hawaii Island, Kona District, over 52 consecutive months (2/18 to 5/22), and across an elevation gradient (518 to 1860 m). Data were collected on local abundance and seasonal occurrence of nymphs and adults, host plant associations, plant species composition, and vegetative damage. Results show that P. bicincta occurs from 548 to 1605 m elevation, primarily in high quality kikuyugrass pastures used for livestock forage. The area of establishment encompasses 178,369 acres from south of Pu’u Anahulu to south of Keokea. Detection in new locations confirms continued range expansion. In areas of high infestation, this invasive pest can cause complete dieback of key pasture grasses for livestock, leading to the establishment of low-quality grasses and weeds, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of grass recovery. Therefore, P. bicincta has become a major economic threat to Hawaii’s pasture-based livestock industry.