Insect · GBIF taxon 2016038
Meadow Spittlebug
Philaenus spumariusAlso known as Meadow Froghopper, Cuckoo-Spit Insect
Meadow spittlebugs are famous for the bubbly foam nests produced by their nymphs, which insulate the developing insects against temperature extremes and predators. Adults possess powerful hind legs capable of launching them over a hundred times their body length into the air to evade danger. While widespread across fields and gardens, these insects draw major agricultural concern as key vectors transmitting plant pathogens like Pierce's disease to crops.
JumperVariable PatternGarden Insect
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Plant Sap
- Xylem Fluid
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Parasitoid Wasps
ThreatsInsecticide use, broadscale land clearing
HabitatsGrasslands, meadows, gardens, agricultural fields
Life span1 year
Classification
- OrderHemiptera
- FamilyAphrophoridae
- GenusPhilaenus
- SpeciesPhilaenus spumarius
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Finding Nymphs: Look for white frothy foam clumps on plant stems during late spring.
- Observing Adults: Search low vegetation in summer where adults hop rapidly when disturbed.
- Gardening Impact: Gently wash foam off garden plants with water if populations grow high.
Agricultural Competitor (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist · cc-by
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