Description
Immature spittlebugs (nymphs) are small, green, soft-bodied insects that have an unusual and distinctive characteristic that distinguishes them from other insects. The nymphs, clustered in between leaves and stems, surround themselves with a frothy, white mass that looks like spittle, which protects them from sun and preying insects. Adult spittlebugs are small (ΒΌ inch), winged insects that hop or fly away quickly when disturbed. They feed on plant sap and lay their eggs inside stems or between the leaf blades and stems of many garden plants and forage crops. The greenish nymphs that hatch from the eggs suck sap from the plant. The insect excretes drops of undigested sap mixed with air. Its tail moves up and down as if working a bellows, forcing out bubbles of sap. The bug then reaches back and covers itself with the frothy spittle. Spittlebugs are most noticeable in the spring when the nymphs are feeding, but adults may be found on the plants throughout the summer.
Control
A few spittlebugs on a plant do little harm. However, if the insects appear to be weakening the plant, control them on ornamentals with an insecticide containing acephate, and on food crops with an insecticide containing malathion. Make sure your plant is listed on the product label.
