Philaenus spumarius, Common Froghopper

Common Name: Common Froghopper

Philaenus spumarius, more commonly known as the Common Froghopper, is a spectacularly variable species, measuring 5-7 mm, with many dramatically different colour forms. Usually they are yellowish, brownish or black, with brighter patches on a dark background, but also with dark markings on a lighter background.

An extremely common species in a wide range of plants across the UK, the larvae are the familiar producers of 'cuckoo-spit' in gardens. Their larvae in the foam nests are largely protected from predators and also get the necessary moisture for the development and temperature, so their mortality remains low even in bad weather.

The larval stage lasts about 50 days and the adults leave the foam nest only when it is completely dried, which normally takes about ten days. The females mate soon after, and adults can be seen everywhere from June to September.

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