# Meadow spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) > A widespread small froghopper whose nymphs produce the white foam known as "cuckoo spit" while feeding on plant xylem sap. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/meadow-spittlebug/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Non-toxic.** Meadow spittlebugs do not bite or sting people. They are not venomous and are not a direct health risk. The white foam produced by nymphs is harmless but may be unpleasant to some. **Pets:** Not toxic to pets. Pets might investigate foam but it is not harmful; avoid letting pets eat large amounts of plant material or foam. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Philaenus spumarius - Also called: Common froghopper, Spittlebug - Order: Hemiptera (True bugs) - Family: Aphrophoridae (Froghoppers) - Size: 5-7 mm body length - Colours: Brown, Gray, Black, White, Orange - Habitat: Meadows, grasslands, hedgerows, gardens, arable fields and other areas with low vegetation. - Range: Native to Europe and parts of Asia; established in North America and other temperate regions. Widespread in temperate climates. - Active: Active spring through autumn; nymphs most visible in spring and early summer; adults present from spring into late summer depending on region. - Lifespan: Adults live several weeks to a few months; generation timing varies with climate. - Effect on plants: Minor feeder - Pest: yes ## Overview Philaenus spumarius is a common, variable-colored froghopper found across Europe, Asia and introduced regions of North America. Adults are mobile, jumping insects often seen on low vegetation. Nymphs produce characteristic protective white foam on plants while they feed. Adults feed on xylem sap and can move between many plant species; in recent years P. spumarius has been recognized as a vector of the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa in regions where that bacterium is present. These insects are mostly harmless to people and pets. Their feeding rarely causes major damage to healthy established plants, but they can be important in agricultural contexts as disease vectors. They are most noticeable in spring and summer when nymphal foam and adults are active on grasses, herbaceous plants and crops. ## How to identify it Adults are 5-7 mm long, stout, and wedge-shaped with large hind legs for jumping. Colouration is highly variable: individuals can be mottled brown, gray, black, white or orange, often with patterned markings. Wings overlap roof-like over the body at rest. Nymphs are wingless and small; they live concealed inside a mass of white foam (the "cuckoo spit") made from excreted sap fluid and air. - Look for white frothy 'cuckoo spit' on stems and leaves in spring — nymphs hide inside this foam. - Adults 5-7 mm, wedge-shaped with large hind legs and highly variable mottled coloration. - Rapid, strong jumping behavior when disturbed; adults rest with wings roof-like over the body. ## Lookalikes - **Other spittlebugs (froghoppers)** (Various Aphrophoridae species): Other species may differ in size, specific wing patterns or habitat; identification to species often requires examining patterns or genitalia under magnification. - **Lined froghopper** (Neophilaenus lineatus): N. lineatus is generally more uniformly patterned and prefers grasses; P. spumarius is more variable in colour and common on a wider range of hosts. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Eggs are laid in plant stems and dead plant tissue in autumn and overwinter there. - **Nymph (spittle stage):** Nymphs hatch in spring and feed on xylem sap while producing a protective frothy mass of plant sap and air ("cuckoo spit"). They go through several instars inside the foam. - **Adult:** Adults are mobile, winged, and able to jump long distances; they disperse, feed on many plant species, mate and lay eggs in late summer or autumn. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Xylem sap of grasses, herbaceous plants and other hosts, accessed while inside foam. - Adults eat: Xylem sap from a wide variety of plants; adults are generalist feeders. - Predators of the young: Predatory insects (e.g. lacewings), ants, spiders and some parasitoids; foam offers partial protection. - Predators of adults: Birds, predatory insects, spiders and other generalist predators. ## Effect on plants and gardens Adults and nymphs feed on xylem sap of a wide range of herbaceous plants, grasses and some woody plants. Feeding usually causes little visible damage on healthy plants, but P. spumarius can transmit the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa where that pathogen is present, making it agriculturally significant in affected regions. ### How to get rid of it For nuisance control, remove foam by hand or hose it off; reduce vegetation where nymphs occur. In crops or where Xylella risk exists, follow local agricultural guidance: monitoring, removing reservoir hosts, and targeted insecticide or integrated pest management may be used under professional advice. Encourage natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) and maintain habitat diversity. ## Where and when to find it Check stems and undersides of leaves of grasses, herbaceous plants and shrubs. Look for white frothy masses in spring (nymphs) and adults on leaves and flowers later in spring and summer. - Best time: Best seen from spring through early autumn; nymphal foam is most obvious in spring and early summer. Visit in daylight when adults rest on vegetation. - Tips: Gently part foliage and photograph foam with a macro or close-up; adults are small and jump when disturbed, so approach slowly. Searching low vegetation after rain or in moist areas increases chances of finding foam. ## Fun facts - The white foam of the nymphs is made by blowing air into watery excreted sap; it protects them from predators and from drying out. - Despite the common name 'spittlebug', adults are froghoppers: their powerful hind legs let them jump far relative to body size. - Philaenus spumarius is extremely color-variable; multiple color morphs can occur in the same population. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do meadow spittlebugs bite or sting? No. They do not bite or sting people. They feed on plant sap and are harmless to humans. ### What is 'cuckoo spit' on my plants? It is the frothy protective foam produced by spittlebug nymphs (including Philaenus spumarius). The nymph lives inside the foam while feeding on plant sap. ### Are spittlebugs harmful to my garden? Generally no; feeding usually causes little damage to healthy plants. However P. spumarius can spread plant diseases like Xylella fastidiosa where that pathogen is present, so it may be of concern in agricultural or high-risk areas. ### How do I get rid of spittlebug foam? Remove foam by hand or spray it off with a strong jet of water. Reducing dense vegetation and mowing can lower local populations. For crops, follow local integrated pest management recommendations. ### Where do spittlebugs live in winter? Eggs overwinter in plant stems and dead vegetation; nymphs emerge in spring. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/56189), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philaenus_spumarius). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.