• Ask Mark
    • Search the Library
    • Mark’s Blog
    • eNewsletter / Subscribe
    • Books
    • Links
  • Cullen’s Foods
  • Trees For Life
  • Events
    • Gardening Communities
  • About Mark
    • Mark and Ben’s Bio
    • Book Mark as a Speaker
    • Mark in the Media
    • Contact Us
June 25, 2014

Meet the Spittlebug

Those pesky neighbourhood hooligans are at it again. Spitting all over my plants and thinking I wouldn’t notice… weeelllll, I did notice and I’m not pleased! You just wait ‘till I see your parents!

IMG_9792 (1280x960)

Wait… what’s that? You’re telling me it wasn’t the neighbourhood kids? You’re telling me it’s a bug? No, that can’t be true. Bugs can’t spit, they don’t even have lips!

Meet the spittlebug.

The spittlebug nymph is actually the one who creates the spit-like substance that feels every bit as unpleasant as an actual gob of spit. The adult version of this nymph is more commonly known as a froghopper. They have sucking mouthparts and the nymphs feed from within their frothy cocoon.

IMG_9797

Life Cycle
In the fall, adults lay rows of eggs in stems, specifically at the axis where the leaf meets the stem. The eggs will overwinter and hatch in the spring when conditions are appropriate. When the nymph emerges from the egg, it begins to secrete the spittle from its…ahem…rear end. The spittlebug will almost always have its head facing downwards to allow the spittle to flow over its body, mixing with other secretions and air, creating the bubbly goop we see. Feeding from inside the safety of the spittle, the nymph will grow and eventually become an adult froghopper who will lay more eggs in the fall.

But, Why?
The spittlebug isn’t a widely understood creature but it is thought that the spittle not only protects the insect from predators but also from its environment. The soft-bodied nymph is capable of drying out should the temperatures reach unpredictable heights and this spittle protects the creature from overheating and dehydration.

Damage Control
Fortunately, the tree hoppers and their spittlebug nymphs aren’t incredibly destructive. In some crops, like alfalfa, clover, and strawberry, the feeding can be a problem but for most people, a simple wash with some water will do the trick. Or you can let them be: there is only one cycle per season.

My apologies to the neighbourhood kids; the froghopper nymphs are to blame, 100%.

← Previous post
Early Season Edibles

Next post →
Arctic Greenhouses

Search

Recent Posts

  • Signs of Spring March 27, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week February 2, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week January 11, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week December 9, 2020

Mark’s Blog by Month

Ask Mark

  • eNewsletter
  • Radio/Podcast
  • Magazine article
  • Newspaper column
  • TV

Recent Tweets

Mark CullenFollow

Best selling Canadian gardening author as seen on TV, radio, online and print.

Mark Cullen
16 Oct

Tune into @1059TheRegion to hear Ben talk fall colors today with Ann Rohmer or listen online at http://1059theregion.com/ and look for THE FEED

Reply on Twitter 1449275767133773824Retweet on Twitter 14492757671337738241Like on Twitter 14492757671337738244
8 Oct

Thank you so much to @globalnewsto for having @MarkCullen4 on the "Making a Difference" segment this week. Take a look at the broadcast here: https://globalnews.ca/video/8248858/national-charity-committed-to-inspiring-tree-planting-initiatives-across-canada

Reply on Twitter 1446542309101867034Retweet on Twitter 14465423091018670342Like on Twitter 14465423091018670343
29 Jun 2021

Bird watching isn't just a hobby, it’s an opportunity to help. Gardening expert Mark Cullen explains.

https://nexthome.ca/news/bird-watching-isnt-just-a-hobby-its-an-opportunity-to-help/1284617/

@MarkCullen4

#garden #flowers #gardens #gardenlife #nature #gardenlove #birdwatching #birding #wildlife #birdlovers #birdlife #naturelovers #birdlover

Reply on Twitter 1409878268090716161Retweet on Twitter 14098782680907161615Like on Twitter 140987826809071616117
18 Jun 2021

Written by @MarkCullen4 for @TorontoStar, check out the top eight picks for planting in hot spots.

#LandscapeOntario #GreenforLife #GardeningTips #GardeningTrends #TorontoGardens #SouthernOntarioGardening

https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2021/06/15/these-8-plants-are-heat-loving-sun-worshippers.html

Reply on Twitter 1405955991699701762Retweet on Twitter 14059559916997017622Like on Twitter 140595599169970176210

Comments are closed.

About Mark and Ben


Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author & broadcaster and holds the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of Guelph and Dalhousie University.
More

Find Mark On

Sponsored Links

Highway of Heroes cullensfoods Share Agriculture Foundation Harrowsmith
© Mark Cullen. Go to top ↑