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Stock photography by Ray+Wilson at Alamy
Image contributor for:
Ray Wilson

Bird & Wildlife Photography

Froghoppers
Family: Aphrophoridae
Their alternative common name, "Spittle Bugs", is derived from the nymph's habit of living inside a mass of "spittle" that protects them from dehydration as well as providing some protection against predators. The nymph creates the froth by forcing air into a fluid excreted from the anus. Nine species occur in Britain.
Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) - Cheshire, England - July 2009
Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) - Cheshire, England - June 2008
The Common Froghopper is an extremely variable species and exhibits a wide range of brown mottling patterns.
Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) - Cheshire, England - August 2009
Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) - Cheshire, England - August 2009
Probably a Common Froghopper nymph (Philaenus spumarius) - Lancashire, England - May 2009
Larval froth - Manu, Peru - December 2008
Disclaimer: Although I always endevour to correctly identify the subjects displayed in the photos, I am not an expert in insect identification and cannot guarantee the names stated in this gallery are all 100% correct. Where possible I have used the relavent keys to ensure correct identification, but errors may still have been made. If you think I have misidentified any of the specimens in the photos, or know the identites of any unidentified species, please e-mail me.
All images are copyright Ray Wilson

raywilsonphotography@googlemail.com