Small World Discoveries

HEMIPTERA > AUCHENORRHYNCHA > CICADOMORPHA > Aphrophoridae

The CICADOMORPHA infraorder includes five families; Cicadidae (Cicadas), Aphrophoridae (Spittlebugs and Froghoppers), Cercopidae (Froghoppers), Cicadellidae (Leafhoppers) and Membracidae (Treehoppers).

Apart from the Membracidae, which includes two very similar treehopper species, being the relatively common Horned Treehopper [Centrotus cornutus] and the scarce Broom Treehopper [Gargara genistae], that is restricted to a few areas in the South East, the other families are represented and/or referenced either here or on the following couple of pages to some degree.

This first page covers the Aphrophoridae, a family of nine rather dull froghoppers, some referred to as spittlebugs; the most frequently recorded being the Alder Spittlebug [Aphrophora alni] and the Meadow Spittlebug [Philaenus spumarius] also known as the Common Froghopper. A further widespread species is the Lined Spittlebug [Neophilaenus lieatus]. The plant-sucking nymphs develop within froth, commonly known as cuckoo-spit, that clings to stems and the underside of leaves. The froth, that gives rise to the name spittlebug, provides a good degree of protection for the nymphs from various insect predators.

The three genera are distinguished by a combination of features. Aphrophora are the largest species in the family, averaging around 10mm, with the head and pronotum having a distinct raised keel. Philaenus spumarius and the four Neophilaenus species are smaller, usually between 5-7mm, with Neophilaenus having a central line (not visible in the photo below) and Philaenus having neither a keel or line. And, in respect of the forewings, Philaenus are fully rounded and have veins that are the same colour, whereas in Neophilaenus they are straighter in the final two-thirds and have orange or brown coloured veins.   

Philaenus spumarius is an extremely variable species (as can be seen from the photos featured below) with many colour forms, but easily identified once you appreciate their general appearance with the entirely convex outer margin of the forewing and the plain vertex plate that, as previously noted, doesn't have a median keel or line.