Investigating sustainable control methods of the twolined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta)

Two lined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta), is a serious pest of pastures in Hawaii. One of the foundational steps of developing an integrated pest management plan is understanding the ecology of the pest insect. Distinct seasonal patterns have been observed in Hawaii, suggesting they enter a winter diapause. Therefore, it is important to understand and predict synchrony and timing of the first-generation outbreak to properly time the implementation of control strategies. Moreover, to prevent the further spread of the insect, the pathways of introduction must be examined in order to anticipate areas that will be especially vulnerable to invasion. Lastly, investigating potential biological control agents is an essential component to regulating pest populations. In essence, researching and administering these techniques can aid in maintaining ecosystem health by reducing conventional pesticide use, preserving beneficial insect populations, and minimizing the impact of invasive pest species.