-- Grab EHS RSS FeedEven more proof that insects are REALLY COOL! The attached images are of a Spittlebug (family Cercopidae). It is pretty obvious how they get their name! So if you see a plant that looks like somebody hocked a loogie on it then it is probably this insect.
They suck plant juices for food, and as nymphs they defend themselves by secreting a mucus type liquid from glands near their anus. They then blow bubbles in the liquid to whip it into a froth and then hide in their spit froth. They do this for two reasons, 1) It keeps them from drying out AND 2) It is a defense mechanism because it makes it harder for predators to find them.
George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist
