meadow spittlebug

insect

Also known as: Philaenus spumarius, common meadow spittlebug

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The meadow spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) is a widely distributed insect known for the frothy, spittle-like substance produced by its larvae. This spittle, created by mixing fluid secreted from abdominal glands with air bubbles, protects the young nymphs from predators and dehydration.123

These insects are powerful leapers and are found in Europe and North America. They can cause significant damage to crops like clover and alfalfa, potentially leading to a 50 percent loss. The meadow spittlebug typically has one generation per year, with eggs laid in late summer and hatching the following spring. Adults do not produce spittle.243

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froghopper
The meadow spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) is froglike in appearance, has grayish brown wings, and is a powerful leaper. It is found in Europe and North America, where it feeds extensively upon clover and alfalfa and can cause severe stunting that can result in loss of up…
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The meadow spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) is froglike in appearance, has grayish brown wings, and is a powerful leaper. It is found in Europe and North America, where it feeds extensively upon clover and alfalfa and can cause severe stunting that can result in loss of up…
Read More

homopteran
Importance
One important species, the meadow spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius), feeds extensively upon clover and alfalfa and causes severe stunting that can result in loss of up to 50 percent of a crop. Scale insects, unless parasitized, produce enormous populations on green twigs, young limbs, leaves, and fruit; when tree bark…
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One important species, the meadow spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius), feeds extensively upon clover and alfalfa and causes severe stunting that can result in loss of up to 50 percent of a crop. Scale insects, unless parasitized, produce enormous populations on green twigs, young limbs, leaves, and fruit; when tree bark…
Read More

homopteran
Life cycle
…typical example is the common meadow spittlebug, Philaenus leucophthalmus, which has one generation a year. Eggs are laid in late summer on stems or sheaths of host plants and hatch the following spring. Over the next 4 to 6 weeks, the larvae develop into adults and begin producing eggs that…
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…typical example is the common meadow spittlebug, Philaenus leucophthalmus, which has one generation a year. Eggs are laid in late summer on stems or sheaths of host plants and hatch the following spring. Over the next 4 to 6 weeks, the larvae develop into adults and begin producing eggs that…
Read More