It's this time of year when we have lots of what is commonly referred to as cuckoo spit on the campanula persicifolia and verbena bonariensis that are growing on our plot.
I'm not sure why the white frothy substance is called cuckoo spit. It certainly has nothing to do with cuckoos other than it often appears when cuckoos can be heard calling - a sound that I heard far more frequently in the past.
The froth is actually produced by the nymph or young of a common bug called a froghopper. The froth is multipurpose. It protects against predators, not only hiding the young bug from view but it is also reputed to have a unpleasant taste - a fact that I am never likely to prove or disprove. It also acts as a temperature regulating system, insulating in cold conditions and cooling when it is hot and helps keep the creature moist.
I inconsiderately removed the froth from one individual. The photo below shows the underside of the nymph.
You can see that foam is being produced from its rear end. Looking at the head end you can see the feeding tube with which it pierces the plant. All bugs feed by piercing their prey or in this case plant stem and sucking juices.
The froth may look unsightly but neither it nor its resident causes any real problem to the plant.
I haven't managed a photo of an adult froghopper but I did feel one ping against me the other day. I think trying to photograph one is going to be a challenge.
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Really good photos, Sue. I find that the sap-sucking antics of the froghoppers do tend to leave plant shoots distorted, though I agree it is not a major problem - certainly not on a par with aphids!
ReplyDeleteAphids are unstoppable Mark
DeleteExcellent macro work Sue and the cuckoo spit conundrum is solved, now I know
ReplyDeleteThe macro work is on hold, David as I am banned from wearing contact lenses for 6 weeks and my glasses are not ideal for that sort of thing.
DeleteAh, we have those here and call them Spittle Bugs. I've never seen one of the inhabitants outside of the foam--interesting!
ReplyDeleteThey don't stay foamless for long, Sue
DeleteI agree with everyone Sue, great photos. I've never thought of what's inside the spit. Now I know - thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Shirley
DeleteWe have similar insects on this side of the Atlantic but the common name is Spittle bugs. Oops - I see someone else already made this comment!
ReplyDeleteNo problem Alain
DeleteI remember first being shown the content of cuckoo spit - what a revelation! Great post and photos. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Belinda
DeleteWow! Super cool photos, I've never allowed myself to really poke about and find out what this stuff is. 😃
ReplyDeleteI am a consummate poker abouter, Carrie
DeleteYup, we call them spittle bugs over here too(for obvious reasons!)
ReplyDeleteMore obvious than cuckoo spit, Margaret.
DeleteHow fascinating! Loved those pics, the clarity is astonishing.xxx
ReplyDeleteWeird creatures aren't they, Dina?
DeleteI have seen them in my garden too! Thank you for the information! ;)
ReplyDeleteThey seem to be found all over, Malar
DeleteI had them on the lavender earlier in the year but they seem to have hopped off now. Good to know that they're not damaging the plants.
ReplyDeleteWe get them on lavender too, Caro. The nymphs will have matured by now and the adults don't 'spit'.
DeleteI was only recently asked what this was, I didn't know other than it is called cuckoo spit due I presume because it appears at the same time. Now I do know, thank you.
ReplyDeleteGlad to help, Brian.
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