Froghoppers

Learn about the Froghoppers (Aphrophoridae and Cercopidae) of the UK with Joss Carr.

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.

Fortunately, in contrast to some other true bugs, froghoppers are generally straightforward to identify. This fact, in addition to their striking, attractive and varied colour patterns, makes them a brilliant group to get to grips with finding, identifying and recording.

This entoLEARN webinar will cover the identification, ecology, habitats and distribution of the ten species of froghopper currently known to occur within the UK. By the end of the presentation, learners should be equipped with the skills they need to start contributing froghopper records to the Auchenorrhyncha Recording Scheme of Britain and Ireland. The ten species covered will be:

• Philaenus spumarius (Common Froghopper)
• Aphrophora alni (Alder Spittlebug)
• Aphrophora major
• Aphrophora pectoralis
• Aphrophora salicina
• Neophilaenus lineatus
• Neophilaenus campestris
• Neophilaenus exclamationis
• Neophilaenus longiceps
• Cercopis vulnerata (Red-and-black Froghopper)

This session is perfect for naturalists, entomologists, and anyone curious about froghoppers. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable bugs.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available following the event to those booked alongside a transcript of the Q&A and useful links.

Tutor: Joss Carr

Joss Carr is a passionate entomologist and biological recorder with an MSc in Biodiversity & Conservation from Queen Mary University of London and a BA in Geography from the University of Oxford. He specialises in UK invertebrates, particularly leafhoppers and allies (Auchenorrhyncha), and is an experienced iNaturalist contributor and verifier on iRecord. At the Biological Recording Company, he leads entoLIVE and Field Recorder Days, sharing his expertise and inspiring others to develop their identification and recording skills. Joss brings extensive practical experience and a strong enthusiasm for helping participants confidently observe, identify, and record invertebrates.

entoLEARN

Our entoLEARN programme provides training on UK invertebrates through live webinars and online self-study courses, with subject specialists presenting aspects of the biology, ecology and behaviour of UK species.

Check out our other upcoming entoLEARN training webinars on invertebrates such as harvestmen, soldierflies, bee-flies, ants and spiders here.