Spittlebugs

Cercopoidea

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cercopoidea: //sɛr.kəˈpɔɪ.di.ə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Aphrophora salicina (Aphrophoridae) - (imago), Arnhem, the Netherlands - 3 by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Aphrophora salicina (Aphrophoridae) - (imago), Arnhem, the Netherlands - 7 by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Solidago canadensis 20050815 246 by Georg Slickers. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
2017 06 04 Aphrophora salicina pectoralis by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Aphrophora nymph by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
European Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni) - Waterloo, Ontario by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Cercopoidea, commonly known as froghoppers or spittlebugs, are a diverse group of hemipteran insects best known for their nymphs which produce foam shelters resembling spittle. This group is capable of impressive jumps and has adapted unique feeding habits on xylem sap, supported by symbiotic bacteria for nutritional needs.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are capable of jumping many times their height and length, with some species able to jump up to 70 cm (28 in) vertically. They have one or two stout spines on the hind tibiae.

Identification Tips

Can be distinguished from leafhoppers by the possession of only a few stout spines on the hind tibiae. Adult Cercopidae can bleed reflexively from their tarsi, which is distasteful to predators.

Habitat

Spittlebug nymphs are found on plants where they feed on xylem sap, producing foam shelters.

Distribution

~70 spp. in 9 genera of 3 families in our area; worldwide ~2,600 spp. in >360 genera of 5 extant families, with much greater diversity in tropical regions.

Diet

Nymphs feed on xylem sap, which is nutrient-poor. They have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that help provide them with essential amino acids.

Life Cycle

The nymphal stage produces a foam cover while feeding on plant sap, mainly associating with xylem feeding.

Ecosystem Role

Nymphs contribute to the ecosystem by feeding on plants, and their foam shelters offer habitat for other microorganisms.

Economic Impact

A few species are serious agricultural pests, but generally, they cause very little damage to plants.

Evolution

The oldest froghoppers are known from the Early Jurassic. Mesozoic froghoppers are divided into two main families thought to be ancestral to living froghoppers, specifically Procercopidae and Sinoalidae.

Similar Taxa

  • Leafhoppers
  • Treehoppers

Misconceptions

The term 'spittlebug' may suggest a connection to saliva, however, the foam is produced from excess water and saps, not actual saliva.

Tags

  • Cercopoidea
  • spittlebugs
  • froghoppers
  • hemiptera
  • insects