Cercopidae: What to Know About Spittlebugs and Froghoppers

Cercopidae are a family of small insects commonly recognized by their distinctive frothy secretions on plants, leading to their common names, froghoppers or spittlebugs. These insects are part of the order Hemiptera, which includes a wide variety of “true bugs.” Found across many environments, from grasslands to forests, Cercopidae are notable for the unique foam produced by their immature stages.

Appearance and Common Names

Adult froghoppers range from 3 to 10 millimeters in length, showcasing a compact and often wedge-shaped body. Their coloration can vary widely, including shades of green, brown, or striking patterns of red and black. Their robust build and ability to jump impressive distances, sometimes over 100 times their body length, contribute to their “froghopper” designation due to their frog-like posture and leaps.

They are also widely known as “spittlebugs” because their nymphs produce a frothy, spit-like mass on plant stems and leaves. While adult froghoppers possess forewings that can be leathery or membranous and membranous hind wings, it is the nymphal stage and its foamy shelter that most readily identifies these insects.

The Purpose of Spittle

The spittle, or foam, is a complex secretion produced by the nymph stage. This frothy mass is primarily composed of excreted plant sap, thickened by fatty acids, carbohydrates, mucopolysaccharides, and proteins synthesized by the nymph’s Malpighian tubules. Nymphs create the foamy consistency by pumping air into this viscous fluid, creating a material similar to beaten egg whites.

This protective foam serves multiple functions for the developing nymph. It provides an effective physical barrier, concealing nymphs from predators and parasites. The foam also acts as insulation, helping to regulate the nymph’s body temperature by moderating the effects of both extreme heat and cold. Furthermore, the moist environment within the spittle mass prevents the small, soft-bodied nymph from dehydrating.

Life Stages and Preferred Environments

The life cycle of Cercopidae involves incomplete metamorphosis, progressing through three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay their eggs on plant stems or leaves. These eggs then hatch into nymphs.

Nymphs remain encased in their frothy shelters as they feed and grow, undergoing several molts before reaching adulthood. The adult insects emerge from the spittle mass after their final molt. Cercopidae are widely distributed and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and cultivated fields. They inhabit herbaceous plants, shrubs, and some trees.

Interactions with Plants and Ecosystems

Both nymph and adult Cercopidae feed on plant sap, specifically drawing from the xylem tissue using specialized mouthparts. While their feeding causes minimal direct damage to most plants, high populations can lead to stunted growth or minor cosmetic issues. In agricultural settings, certain spittlebug species can be considered significant pests of crops like sugarcane, pastures, maize, and rice.

While they can be pests in agricultural monocultures, spittlebugs rarely threaten healthy plants in typical garden environments. Their presence also contributes to the broader ecosystem as a food source for various predators, and some species are associated with nitrogen-fixing plants.

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