Family: Cercopidae, Spittlebugs view all from this family

Description Spittlebugs are small to medium-sized jumping insects, 1/8-1/2" (4-13 mm) long, that hop about like tiny frogs on plants and shrubs, where they feed. Adult spittlebugs are sometimes mistaken for leafhoppers but have only 1 or 2 spines on the hind tibiae instead of 2 rows of spines. Some species are coated with waxy white fluid. Spittlebug nymphs cover themselves with masses of bubbly, wet spittle, which accounts for their common name. Each frothy mass contains 1 or more tiny nymphs, effectively hiding them from predators as they suck plant juices. Nymphs usually feed upside down. Spittle secreted from the anus flows down over the body and mixes with an excretion from glands on the seventh and eight abdominal segments. Air mixed into the spittle makes the bubbles long-lasting. The adults do not produce spittle and jump around freely.