Spittlebug (Froghopper Nymph)

Found on the stems and leaves of various plants in gardens, meadows, grasslands, and forests.

Xylem feeders; they pierce plant stems to consume watery sap from grasses, weeds, herbs, and shrubs.

Nymphs create a distinctive frothy white mass often called 'cuckoo spit' or snake spit. They produce this by mixing excreted plant fluid with air and sticky secretions to protect themselves from predators, parasitoids, and desiccation (drying out) while developing.

Harmless to humans. They generally cause little damage to plants, though heavy infestations can cause stunting or distortion. Adult froghoppers can be vectors for plant pathogens like Xylella fastidiosa, but the spittle itself is benign.