
Community identification
Spittlebug or Froghopper
Cercopoidea superfamily
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cercopidae
- Size
- 6 to 10 millimeters
Natural Habitat
Found in meadows, gardens, forests, and fields on various herbaceous plants, grasses, and woody stems.
Diet & Feeding
Plant sap, fed upon by piercing and sucking plant tissues using a specialized straw-like mouthpart.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs create a frothy, spittle-like mass from plant sap and excreted fluid to hide from predators and retain moisture. Adults are strong jumpers, capable of leaping remarkable distances relative to their size.
Risks & Benefits
Generally considered a minor garden pest when present in large numbers as they can weaken plant shoots, but they rarely cause significant economic damage and serve as a vital food source for birds and spiders.