Spittlebugs
Scientific name: Aphrophoridae
Spittlebugs
Scientific name: Aphrophoridae
Photo By Charlie Hohn , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The members of the Aphrophoridae, are fascinating for a behavior that veils their early life stages in mystery. While they're often seen as mere garden nuisances, there's more to these insects than meets the eye. Adolescent spittlebugs conceal themselves in frothy masses on plants, which the untrained observer might mistake for a disease or fungal infestation. However, this froth serves a critical purpose, providing moisture, temperature regulation, and predator deterrence. This clever adaptation not only protects the vulnerable nymphs from natural enemies but also mystifies the average person about their true identity and biological functions.
Species of Spittlebugs
Photo By Charlie Hohn , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original