Distribution records as at May 2019
Distinguishing features
Neophilaenus longiceps has a very local distribution limited to coastal saltmarshes in south east England. Adults are 6 - 7mm long and can be seen in June.
As is typical with froghoppers, they have two stout spines on the outer edge of the hind tibia, as well as several smaller spines at the tip.
Neophilaenus species can be distinguished as adults from Philaenus spumarius by the more parallel outer edges of the wings when viewed from above (as opposed to the more convex outline of P. spumarius) and their overall pattern of markings. They are much smaller than Aphrophora species.
The taxonomic status of Neophilaenus longiceps as a separate species from N. lineatus is uncertain; it may be simply a saltmarsh race of N. lineatus. Its appearance is very similar but it can be distinguished by the dimensions of the central 'plate' on the top of the head (wider than long in N. longiceps compared to longer than wide in N. lineatus). N. longiceps is also slightly larger.