The Twolined Spittlebug (TLSB)
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About TLSB
The Twolined Spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) is a new, highly destructive invasive species in Hawaii devastating important agricultural lands. TLSB was first collected and identified in Hawaii in September 2016 in Kona on Hawaii Island. A local rancher reported it and the severe pasture damage that it was causing. Since then, TLSB has been found throughout Kona, particularly in the upper elevation areas. It has been devastating pastures by killing grasses, which allows invasive and unpalatable weeds to take over. In 2016, approximately 2,000 acres had been affected. In 2021, the problem has already spread to over 176,000 acres. So far the TLSB is only known to be in West Hawaii on the Big Island. Learn more here.
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Updates
The TLSB App is now available!
Through the efforts of the team led by Mark Thorne, a new mobile application is available for smartphone users. The Twolined Spittlebug Application was designed to provide users with basic information, and tools to positively identify, report, manage this rangeland pest in Hawaii.
Download it here today!
My life as a rancher is going to change forever… From this insect. We’ve worked long and hard on our genetics, on our breeding programs, on our marketing- but none of that is gonna matter if I don’t have the forage to finish these cattle. We’ve had other influences to agriculture and ranching but I think this Twolined Spittlebug might top them all.”
— Sara Moore, Kealia Ranch
