The diversity and distribution of spittlebugs (hemiptera: cercopidae) on makerere university main campus, kampala.

Abstract

Abstract Spittlebugs are considered pasture pests of significant concern causing declines in the production and quality of pasture grasses which can cause degradation of pasture through the feeding behaviour of nymphs and adults which reduce nutrients available for plant growth. This makes it very important to examine the distribution and abundance of spittle bugs using four major objectives. These include to; identify the different spittlebugs, map the distribution of different species of spittlebugs, identify the different plant species that are inhabited by spittle bugs, examine the chemical nature of the cuckoo-spit/spittle mass produced by the different spittlebug nymphs on Makerere University Campus. The study was carried out from a total of 50 primary sampling units on Makerere University Main Campus and sampling was carried out within 5 working days from Monday to Friday within a period of 2 weeks. A total of 5 species of spittle bugs; Ptyelus grossus, Philaenus lineatus, Pteylus flavescins, Satara Maharashtra and one unidentified species. The highest abundance and distribution of spittlebugs was recorded at CEES and lowest was recorded at COBAMS and COCiS.