# Aphrophora

Aphrophora are tiny insects that love to hop around in gardens and fields. They are known for their bubbly foam homes that protect them while they grow.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Grasslands

![Aphrophora](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Aphrophora.corticea.-.lindsey.jpg&width=800)

Photo: James K. Lindsey, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aphrophora.corticea.-.lindsey.jpg)

## Appearance

The Aphrophora is a small, wedge-shaped insect, typically brown, grey, or mottled green. It has large, dark eyes on the sides of its head and translucent wings often held tent-like over its back. Its stout hind legs are noticeable for jumping.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hemiptera
- **Family:** Aphrophoridae
- **Genus:** Aphrophora

## Interesting facts

- An adult Aphrophora can fly, but usually prefers to jump away from danger instead!
- The foamy "spittle" created by young Aphrophora is actually mostly plant sap and air!
- These small insects share a family with the loudest insects on Earth, the cicadas!
- You might hear their bubbly homes called "cuckoo spit" by people in the countryside!

## Special abilities

- **Super Jumper:** Aphrophora can launch themselves great distances because of powerful hind legs that help them escape danger.
- **Spittle Shield:** Nymphs produce a bubbly foam that helps them hide from predators and stay moist on plants.
- **Plant Drinker:** Aphrophora has a piercing-sucking mouthpart that helps them drink sap from plants like a tiny straw.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 10-14 mm
- **Size:** 5-7 mm
- **Lifespan:** 30-60 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Aphrophora are plant-eaters that use a special mouthpart to drink sweet plant sap.

- **Primary Foods:** Willow sap, Alder sap, Oak sap, Clover sap, Grass sap
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Depends on:** White Willow (*Salix alba*) — feeds on its sap
- **Depends on:** [Norway Spruce](https://www.snappit.app/explore/norway-spruce) (*Picea abies*) — adults and nymphs feed here
- **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — eats adult spittlebugs
- **Eaten by:** Garden Orb-weaver (*Araneus diadematus*) — traps them in its webs

## Traits

- [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

It's best to watch insects from a distance and not touch them.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Aphrophora?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Aphrophora's wingspan?

10-14 mm

### How big is Aphrophora?

5-7 mm

### How long does Aphrophora live?

30-60 days

### What does Aphrophora eat?

Aphrophora are plant-eaters that use a special mouthpart to drink sweet plant sap.

### Where is Aphrophora usually found?

Grasslands

### How does Aphrophora hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Aphrophora have?

6

## Where to spot

- [Stemwinder Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/stemwinder-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Aphrophora: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/aphrophora)