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Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial
Feeding Habits
Adults: phytophagous
Immatures: phytophagous
Size: 4 to 13 mm
Flight : unknown
North American
Species: 33 in Canada
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Homoptera Cercopidae
Froghoppers and spittlebugs
Front Wings: leathery
Hind Wings: membranous
Mouthparts: sucking
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified
Special Characteristics:
Froghoppers are short, stout Homoptera that resemble tiny frogs. They are usually brown, gray or green, often with a distinct colour pattern. The head is triangular. The hind legs have two thorn-like spurs and have a row of black-tipped spines at the end of the tibia.
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Comments: Cercopidae are phytophagous, feeding on shrubs, trees, herbaceous plants. The hind legs are used for powerful leaps. The nymphs of many species surround themselves with a frothy mass made from plant sap with air bubbled into it. These spittle masses, which can be abundant in meadows, provide the nymph with a moist habitat and protection from predators.
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Species:
Aphrophora gelida (Walker)
Common Name:
Boreal spittlebug
Feeding Habits: Nymphs feed on various broad-leafed herbaceous plants including grape vines, goldenrod and fireweed. Adults are general feeders on cmany species of trees.
Distribution:
Widespread in Canada.
Comments:
The colour of this species is quite variable from dark brown to yellow, with contrasting patterns.
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