OUT!! #30: The Humble Spittlebug

For those of you wanderers of field and meadow, you've probably noticed the globs of "spit" that are attached to the stem of certain plants. Rather than being the random oral ejections of some passing human, they are instead the unique protection device of the spittlebug nymph. The spittlebug produces this by feeding on the sap of the plant that is hosting it, while simultaneously releasing the waste product as a foaming mass of liquid.

They are most notable in the month of May after the young hatches out and begin to feed on the young stems of tall perennials and other herbaceous vegetation. After they morph into adulthood however, they shed their dribbling habits and hop at breakneck speed across their leafy habitat.

I'll be doing a series of these easy insect guides to help identify some of the commoner late spring and early summer insect life. This allows me to present good and simple info to my audience and promote awareness for these species in general. Have a great week everyone.