Plants and Animals
Limotettix elegans Elegant spikerush leafhopper
Key Characteristics
A yellow leafhopper, ranging in size from 3.1 to 4.1 mm (females larger). The posterior of pronotum and tegmina are dark brown in the male and reddish brown in the female. The face is ivory with black and brown bands, the femur is banded with black, and the ventral abdomen is pale brown (WI DNR). A leafhopper using Eleocharis as host is likely to be Limotettix.
Status and Rank
US Status: No Status/Not Listed
State Status: SC - Special Concern (rare or uncertain; not legally protected)
Global Rank: GNR - Not ranked
State Rank: SNR - Not ranked
Occurrences
| County | Number of Occurrences | Year Last Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Allegan | 1 | 1997 |
| Alpena | 1 | 1998 |
| Arenac | 2 | 2009 |
| Bay | 1 | 2000 |
| Cheboygan | 1 | 2007 |
| Chippewa | 8 | 2018 |
| Delta | 3 | 2022 |
| Emmet | 1 | 2005 |
| Iosco | 2 | 2023 |
| Jackson | 1 | 1985 |
| Kalamazoo | 1 | 2021 |
| Mackinac | 3 | 1996 |
| Macomb | 1 | 1981 |
| Manistee | 2 | 1991 |
| Midland | 1 | 2001 |
| Muskegon | 1 | 2005 |
| Roscommon | 2 | 2023 |
| Saginaw | 1 | 2003 |
| St. Clair | 1 | 2009 |
| Tuscola | 1 | 1993 |
Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.
Habitat
Habitat include wet prairie and alvar in association with small spikerushes (e.g., Eleocharis elliptica, E. compressa, E. obtusa, and other Elocharis species).
Natural Community Types
For each species, lists of natural communities were derived from review of the nearly 6,500 element occurrences in the MNFI database, in addition to herbarium label data for some taxa. In most cases, at least one specimen record exists for each listed natural community. For certain taxa, especially poorly collected or extirpated species of prairie and savanna habitats, natural community lists were derived from inferences from collection sites and habitat preferences in immediately adjacent states (particularly Indiana and Illinois). Natural communities are not listed for those species documented only from altered or ruderal habitats in Michigan, especially for taxa that occur in a variety of habitats outside of the state.
Natural communities are not listed in order of frequency of occurrence, but are rather derived from the full set of natural communities, organized by Ecological Group. In many cases, the general habitat descriptions should provide greater clarity and direction to the surveyor. In future versions of the Rare Species Explorer, we hope to incorporate natural community fidelity ranks for each taxon.
Management Recommendations
Mowing should be limited to early spring and late fall. Prescribed burning may be conducted to control shrub invasion but should be done on a rotational basis. The fire intensity should be such that succession is set back but the host plants, Eleocharis species are able to regenerate and thrive. Generally, insecticides and herbicides should not be applied, however, selective treatment of woody vegetation (e.g. basal stem or stump application) may be an option to control these plants where prescribed burning is not feasible.
Active Period
Migration from third week of April to second week of May
Nesting from third week of May to fourth week of August
Survey Methods
The best way to survey for this leafhopper is to use a standard insect sweep net in suitable habitat. Several sweep samples may be needed to detect adults of this species in an area. Dew should be off the grass and the wind light or calm.
Observe in flight
Survey Period: From third week of May to fourth week of July
Time of Day: Morning (after sunrise)
References
Survey References
- Bibby, C.J., N.D. Burgess, and D.A. Hill. 1992. Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press, New York.
Technical References
- Currier, C.L. 2000. Special Animal Abstract for Chlidonias niger (Black tern). Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 3pp.