Louie

The spittlebugs have suddenly appeared - well, they have been around all spring, but have finally reached the stage where they create the froth on plants. This is done by sucking the plant's sap, and moving their bodies to create the bubbles, then they use their hind legs to cover themselves. The mass of froth serves to hide the spittlebug nymph, provide insulation, and keep them from drying out. This stage only lasts a few weeks, then the adult will lay eggs, which will hatch next spring. They're also called froghoppers, because they are similar to treehoppers, and have a frog face!