Froghoppers

Froghoppers are a fascinating group of true bugs (Hemiptera) within the suborder Auchenorrhyncha (the leafhoppers and allies), represented in the UK by ten species spread across two families (nine species from the family Aphrophoridae and one species from the family Cercopidae). Froghoppers are perhaps best known for their nymph (juvenile) stages, which produce a conspicuous spit-like foamy substance, commonly seen on plants in May and June. It is this habit which gives froghoppers their other common name – ‘spittlebugs’. Adults of several species are also very commonly encountered in spring and summer, particularly Philaenus spumarius and Cercopis vulnerata, which are very common, widespread and abundant in most habitats. The UK is also home to some more rare species, such as Aphrophora major and Neophilaenus longiceps, both of which are specialised to specific habitats.