Froghopper
From Free net encyclopedia
The froghoppers are a group of Homopteran insects, in the Aphrophoridae, Cercopidae, Cixiidae, Delphacidae, Dictyopharidae, Issidae, Tettigometridae and other related families. They are best known for the nymph stage, which produces a cover of frothed-up plant sap resembling spit; the nymphs are therefore commonly known as spit bugs, spittlebugs, and their froth as cuckoo spit.
The froth serves a number of purposes. It hides the nymph from the view of predators, it insulates against heat and cold, thus providing thermal control and also moisture control. Without the froth the bug would quickly dry up. The nymphs pierce plants and suck sap causing damage. A few species are serious agricultural pests.
Adult froghoppers jump from plant to plant; some species can jump up to 70 cm vertically: a more impressive performance relative to body weight than fleas.
 Cercopis sanguinolenta |
 Cercopis vulnerata |
 Froghoppers, Australia |
 Philaenus spumarius (common froghopper) |
 Thistle with cuckoo spit near the base of the bud |