Cercopidae

Common Name

Froghoppers or Spittlebugs

Overview

Cercopidae is a family of insects within the order Hemiptera, commonly known as froghoppers or spittlebugs. These insects are widely recognized for their nymphs, which produce characteristic frothy spittle masses on plants.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Size: Typically small, ranging from 3 to 10 mm in length.
  • Body Shape: Robust and often wedge-shaped.
  • Color: Varies widely, including greens, browns, and striking patterns.
  • Wings: They possess forewings that can be either leathery or membranous, and hind wings that are membranous.
  • Spittle Production: Nymphs secrete a frothy mass of spittle to conceal themselves from predators and prevent desiccation.

Life Cycle

  1. Egg: Laid on the plant stem or leaf.
  2. Nymph: Emerges and produces a protective spittle mass.
  3. Adult: Develops fully after several molting stages and emerges from the spittle mass.

Behavior and Ecology

  • Feeding: Suck sap from xylem tissue of plants, using specialized mouthparts.
  • Habitat: Found in a variety of ecosystems, from grasslands to forests, often on herbaceous plants and shrubs.
  • Defense Mechanism: Nymphs produce spittle for protection against predators and environmental conditions.

Notable Species

  • Philaenus spumarius: The meadow spittlebug, widespread and known for its adaptability to various environments.
  • Cercopis vulnerata: Recognizable by its distinct red and black coloration.
  • Clastoptera obtusa: Notable for its uniquely shaped head and coloration patterns.

Conservation

Generally not considered at risk, though certain species could be impacted by habitat destruction or changes in agricultural practices.

Significance to Humans

  • Agricultural Impact: Some species are considered pests due to their feeding on economically important plants and crops.
  • Indicators: Their presence can sometimes indicate ecosystem health and diversity.

Fun Facts

  • Froghopper nymphs can produce up to 80 times their body weight in spittle each day.
  • They are able to jump distances over 100 times their body length, making them some of the best jumpers in the insect world.
  • Adult froghoppers have a gear-like mechanism in their legs that helps synchronize their jumps.
  • The spittle is not just a defense mechanism; it also facilitates thermal regulation for the nymph.