Common Name: Spittlebug
Scientific Name: Cercopidae: spp
Status: A minor pest of agronomic crops
Damaging Stage: Nymph and adult

Biology: Spittlebugs derive their name from the white, frothy spittle the nymphs produce. Adults resemble leafhoppers, but can be quite large, about 1/3-inch long. The eyes are bright red and the body color varies from brown to orange. Common species have dark wings with two red stripes that cross the back. Spittlebug nymphs produce a white foam substance that surrounds them as they feed on a host plant�s sap. White frothy masses can be found on both herbaceous and woody plants.

Adults lay their eggs in late summer. Eggs overwinter. The eggs hatch in early spring, and the nymphs go through five instars before emerging as adults. It takes approximately 40 to 52 days to complete the life cycle. They complete two or three generations per year.

Injury: In large populations, twigs and branches may be damaged enough that causes some dieback. Some weakened pines can suffer in weather conditions that encourage disease. Herbaceous plants suffer from the sap feeding as well as the injection of phytotoxic salivary substances during feeding.

Action Threshold: Spittlebugs rarely occur in large enough numbers to cause significant injury that justifies treatment. More often, some find the spittle masses unsightly rather than damaging.

Management: Chemical controls are the best option for a spittlebug infestation.