# Meadow Spittlebug (*Philaenus spumarius*) The Meadow Spittlebug is a tiny insect that makes a bubbly foam to protect itself. It can be found hopping around in grassy areas, and it loves to suck juice from plants. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Meadow Spittlebug](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/%28MHNT%29_Philaenus_spumarius.jpg&width=800) Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%28MHNT%29_Philaenus_spumarius.jpg) ## Appearance The Meadow Spittlebug is a small, oval-shaped insect, typically 5-7mm long. It has a highly varied appearance, often mottled brown, black, grey, or tan, allowing it to blend seamlessly with bark or vegetation. Its compact, wedge-shaped head and somewhat flattened body help distinguish it from other plant-hoppers. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Aphrophoridae - **Genus:** Philaenus ## Interesting facts - A spittlebug can jump over 100 times its own body length, like a person jumping over a skyscraper! - The 'spittle' isn't actual spit; it's mostly filtered plant sap mixed with air bubbles for protection. - The foamy 'spittle' can look like tiny bubbles or even bird droppings, tricking hungry predators! - They are sometimes called 'froghoppers' because their face can look a bit like a tiny frog! ## Special abilities - **Spittle Shield:** Meadow Spittlebug nymphs can create a protective foamy 'spittle' from plant sap that helps them hide from predators and stay moist. - **Super Spring:** Adult Meadow Spittlebugs can jump incredibly high and far, quickly escaping danger with powerful leaps from their legs. - **Camouflage Master:** This insect has highly variable colors and patterns that allow it to perfectly blend into its plant surroundings, helping it avoid hungry birds. - **Sap Sipper:** Meadow Spittlebugs have specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts that allow them to drink plant sap, their only food source. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 8-12 mm - **Size:** 5-7 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-60 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Meadow Spittlebugs feed exclusively on the sap they suck from a wide variety of plants. - **Primary Foods:** clover sap, grass sap, willow sap, dandelion sap, rose sap - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [House Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Common bird that preys on insects in gardens. - **Hunts:** [Yellow Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/yellow-garden-spider) (*Argiope aurantia*) — Large web-building spider often catches flying adults. - **Depends on:** [White Clover](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-clover) (*Trifolium repens*) — Nymphs and adults feed on its sap for survival. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [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. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [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. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [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 These bugs are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Meadow Spittlebug? 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 Meadow Spittlebug's wingspan? 8-12 mm ### How big is Meadow Spittlebug? 5-7 mm ### How long does Meadow Spittlebug live? 30-60 days ### What does Meadow Spittlebug eat? Meadow Spittlebugs feed exclusively on the sap they suck from a wide variety of plants. ### Where is Meadow Spittlebug usually found? Grasslands ### How does Meadow Spittlebug hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Meadow Spittlebug have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Lyman Run State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lyman-run-state-park) — Pennsylvania, US · State Park - [Morris Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/morris-arboretum) — Pennsylvania, US · Botanical Garden - [Porteau Cove Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/porteau-cove-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park [View all places to see Meadow Spittlebug](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/meadow-spittlebug) ## 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*) --- Source: [Meadow Spittlebug: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/meadow-spittlebug)