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Aphrophora
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Aphrophora

insect genus
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Quick Summary

The genus Aphrophora belongs to the family Cercopidae, commonly known as froghoppers or spittlebugs. These are small insects, typically less than 1.5 cm long, characterized by their hopping ability and the frothy substance, known as spittle, produced by their larvae.1

The spittle is created when the nymph secretes a fluid mixed with secretions from abdominal glands, into which air bubbles are introduced. This spittle serves as protection against predators and dehydration. While the taxonomy of froghoppers has been debated, many species are now classified in closely related families like Aphrophoridae and Clastopteridae.1

Some Aphrophora species are considered pests, notably affecting willow and pine trees.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. froghopper
  2. aphid
  3. aphidophagous
  4. homopteran - Polymorphism
  5. homopteran - Annotated classification

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