Meadow Spittlebug Nymph | Slide Mouse

Spittlebugs a nymph stage of froghoppers that are insects of the family cercopidae that inhabits strawberries nursery stock and legume forage crops ornamental grasses.

Meadow spittlebug nymph. First cutting alfalfa is occasionally damaged by heavy infestations of meadow spittlebug nymphs. The adults are heavy bodied wedge shaped insects about a quarter of an inch long. Damage is generally most severe following the establishment of alfalfa in small grain stubble. The meadow spittlebug philaenus spumarius is froglike in appearance has grayish brown wings and is a powerful leaper.

Some african species occur in enormous numbers and secrete large amounts of spittle which drips from tree branches like rain. Key identifiers include 2 tiny black spots at the head tip which can resemble nostrils 2 ridges on the head above the antennae and raised wing veins. It is found in europe and north america. Meadow spittlebugs overwinter as eggs that have been laid on host plants in the fall.

There are five stages or instars of spittlebug nymphs which change from orange to yellow to the pale green before the final molt to the adult stage. Color patterns vary dramatically but are usually tan gray brown and or black. The most common species in the uk is the meadow spittlebug philaenus spumarius. Philaenus spumarius the meadow froghopper or meadow spittlebug is a species of insect belonging to the spittlebug family aphrophoridae.

They feed on a variety of plants like ornamental grasses roses chrysanthemums clover strawberries herbs and many other garden plants. They ll be gone in a few weeks anyway. Some are solidly colored. They jump readily making an audible thump.

They are usually a mottled brown and cream but vary from cream to almost black. The meadow spittlebug easily identified in the nymphal stage within its spittle mass is a common early season pest of alfalfa and clover. Meadow spittlebug philaenus spumarius in family aphrophoridae. In italy and america it is economically important as one of the vectors of pierce s disease xylella fastidiosa.

Meadow spittlebug philaenus spumarius is the most common insect species of spittlebug in the world. A strong blast with a hose should be enough to dislodge a spittlebug nymph. Spittlebugs are known for the frothy spittle mass they produce while feeding on plants. Of the 54 spittlebug species known in minnesota the most common is the meadow spittlebug philaenus spumarius.

Tiny orange nymphs emerge from the eggs in the spring.