ABSTRACT
This paper describes the occurrence and damages of Clastoptera sp. (Hemiptera: Clastopteridae) in grapevines in Pernambuco State, Brazil. The specimens analyzed in this research were collected in vineyards ( Vitis viniferaL.) in Pernambuco State, in May 2007. The material examined is deposited in the insect collection of Embrapa Uva e Vinho (CEEUV – Bento Gonçalves/RS) and Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (MCTP – Porto Alegre, RS). Clastoptera sp., commonly called “spittlebug,” attacks branches of the grapevine and the rachis of the grapes. The aspect of the attacked area is very characteristic, as the nymphs produce a foam-like spit wherein they are protected. When the attacked branches are young, leaves become dry and when they are older they become chlorotic. The attacked grapes are always discarded, regardless of whether they are for exportation or not, which can cause large economic losses.
KEY WORDS
Insecta; spittlebug;
Vitis vinifera
; damages
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