Spittlebug in the Garden
If you have a vegetable garden or a flower garden at some point you will see proof of a spittlebug in the garden. Proof you ask? What is that proof?
Ever See What Looks Like Bubbling Spit On Your Plants?
Then you have spittlebug nymphs or another name for them as adults are froghoppers.
As adults, the face of the froghopper really does resemble a frog’s face. Froghoppers jump from plant to plant.
Why are Spittlebugs Spitting on My Plants?
Well, it really isn’t spitting. It comes out of the backend of the critter, not the front 😉
- The bug uses the froth to encase themselves to hide from predators.
- Spit provides moisture that insulates the spittlebug against heat and cold.
What is a Spittlebug?
Adults are about 3/8 of an inch long, they are generally a dark brown with two distinct bands across the wings.
There are over 2200 varieties of what is called a spittlebug, the baby of the Froghopper, and what they call a nymph.
The nymphs, which produce the foamy spit, pierce plants and suck sap causing very little damage, much of the filtered fluids go into the production of the foam.
Additional Reading: Plant and Leafhopper in the Garden
Are Spittlebugs Harmful To Plants?
While it is generally listed as a garden pest, it takes a large number to really affect garden produce production. Which, thankfully, does seem to be a huge issue. Only certain varieties are harmful to crop production.
Want to Get Rid of Spittlebugs?
Good news. As a general rule of thumb in the garden you can just use water to spray them off the plants. But, again; they don’t cause too much harm in small numbers.
Spittlebug & His Home
Additional Insect Posts
Additional Post You Might Find Interesting:
A Beetle Causes Blisters on Humans and Be Fatal to Horses & Livestock?
Foods You Might Not Know You Can Feed House Finches
What is the Oldest Lighthouse in Wisconsin and on Lake Michigan?
AFFILIATE POLICY: Posts on this site may contain links to outside vendors that pay me a commission when you purchase from them, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site!
