Philaenus spumarius
University of Illinois Extension, Integrated Pest Management
Meadow Spittlebugs are
one of several species of spittlebugs which get their name
from the bubbly liquid made by spittlebug nymphs. Adult Meadow Spittlebugs,
also called "froghoppers," grow over 1/4 inch long. They are
brown, grayish-green, or yellow. These insects live in
meadows, farms, and roadsides. Jose Verkest
Neil Hancock
Froghoppers mate in late
Summer. Females lay eggs on stems of plants. Spittlebug eggs
overwinter, since they can resist frost. In Spring, small nymphs
hatch from eggs and start eating. As they eat, nymphs cover
themselves in a froth of tiny bubbles. This "bubble house"
protects nymphs from drying out. It also makes it hard for
predators and parasites to find them. Nymphs can move slowly
around their host plant, keeping covered by their
spittle. Jose Verkest As they eat, nymphs molt
(shed their exoskeletons). With each molt, the nymphs look
more and more like adults. Full grown adutl spittlebugs have
wings and can fly around to look for mates. Froghoppers can also jump
very far. This jumping ability, along with their appearance,
is how adult spittlebugs earned their nickname. Both nymphs and adults
feed on plants, including: grasses, clovers, goldenrods, and
strawberries. Spittlebug nymphs can
damage plants when there are many on one plant. The nymphs
suck on plant juices. Nymphs do not cover
themselves will spittle bubbles right away. Large amounts of
spittle bubbles are built up starting in late May to early
June. Predators of Meadow
Spittlebugs include insect predators, such as spiders,
mantids, wasps, and birds. Jose Verkest
Jarmo Holopainen