Froghoppers/spittlebugs and Leaf

(Order Hemiptera, Suborder Auchenorrhyncha)

These members of the 'true bugs' feed on xylem sap, a tremendously challenging feat considering that xylem sap often exists under tensions exceeding 1 MPa. In the spring months the juvenile spittlebugs, and the masses of white foam they produce, can be found on many plants on campus at UBC. By summer the spittlebugs have molted into adult froghoppers and no longer produce their spittle masses, but continue feeding on xylem sap. Leafhoppers like the local rhododendron leafhopper (Graphocephala fennahi) also feed on xylem sap across their development, but do not produce 'spittle' as nymphs.

Late instar Douglas fir spittlebug (Aphrophora permutata)

microCT scan of P. spumarius head, showing cibarial dilator muscles (purple) and cibarial chamber (yellow)

P. spumarius froghopper

Chaoborid midges

(Order Diptera, Family Chaoboridae)

The aquatic larvae of the Chaoborid midges look similar to mosquito larvae. Our lab is currently studying how the larvae of some of these genera can regulate their buoyancy using internal air-sacs. This ability has evolved among only two groups of animals: Teleost fish and Chaoborid larvae. This ability is most developed within the genus Chaoborus, but is also found within some sister genera within the Chaoboridae, including Mochlonyx and Cryophila.

Chaoborus americanus larva showing anterior and posterior air sacs used for buoyancy control

Shirley Lake in Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, B.C., is typical habitat for Chaoborus species

Mochlonyx cinctipes larva with anterior and posterior air sacs clearly expansions of the insect's longitudinal tracheal trunks

Eucorethra underwoodi is the only representative of this monotypic genus and is basal within the Chaoboridae. It has no air-sacs and is negatively buoyant

Eucorethra habitat in shallow forest pools in Pacific Spirit Park, B.C.

Dragonflies

(Order Odonata, Suborder Anisoptera)

There are several locally abundant species of dragonfly that can be collected on campus. The flying adults can be caught using aerial nets during the warm summer months, while the nymphs can be scooped from ponds with dip nets year-round. The UBC Botanical Gardens and the Schluter Lab's South Campus Experimental Ponds are regular collection sites (with kind permission!).

Blue-eyed darner (Aeshna multicolor)

Paddle-tailed darner (Aeshna palmata)

Four-spotted skimmer (Libellula quadrimaculata)

Cardinal meadowhawk (Sympetrum illotum)

Cockroaches

(Order Blattodea)

We maintain three species of cockroach in our lab for investigations into gas exchange regulation. The speckled feeder roaches (Nauphoeta cinerea) are the smallest, at around 3-4 cm long, and fastest breeding. The slightly larger dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are sexually dimorphic, with only the males possessing fully developed wings. Finally, the Madagascan hissing roaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa) are colossal, reaching over 8 cm long.

Speckled feeder roach (Nauphoeta cinerea)

Dubia roach (Blaptica dubia)

Madagascan hissing roach (Gromphadorhina portentosa)