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spittlebug |
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spittlebug: see froghopper froghopper or spittlebug, small, hopping insect of the order Homoptera. The adult, under 1-2 in. (1.2 cm) long in most species, is triangular in shape and usually gray or dull green to brown. ..... Click the link for more information. . spittlebugor froghopperAny of some 2,000 species of hopping insects (family Cercopidae, order Homoptera) with whitish nymphs that use a special abdominal valve to aerate an anal fluid secretion. The resulting frothy spittle protects the nymphs from enemies and desiccation. Adults are less than 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) long. The meadow spittlebug (Philaenus leucophthalmus), of Europe and North America, resembles a frog and is a powerful leaper. It feeds extensively on clover and alfalfa, causing severe stunting that can result in the loss of up to 50% of a crop. Some African species occur in such enormous numbers that their spittle drips from tree branches like rain. |
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Instead of feeding on phloem sap, the sugary sap that nourishes growing parts of the plant and also aphids, spittlebugs suck the xylem sap, which carries water and dissolved minerals. |
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Spittlebugs
