PHILAENUS SPUMARIUS
Aphrophoridae, Cercopoidea
Froghopper with extremely widespread UK distribution.
Also known as the Common Froghopper or the Meadow Spittlebug.
This is an extremely common species, which can be found in almost all open habitats, including grasslands, gardens and open forests. Feeds on a wide range of plants across the UK.
Download a species information sheet:
©Gernot Kunz
©Gernot Kunz
©Gernot Kunz
©Gernot Kunz
Distribution records as at May 2019
Distinguishing features
Philaenus spumarius is a spectacularly variable species, with many dramatically different colour forms, ranging from whitish yellow through to black. See the photo gallery for examples. Adults are 5 - 7mm long and can typically be seen between June and September.
As is typical with froghoppers, they have two stout spines on the outer edge of the hind tibia, as well as several smaller spines at the tip.
Philaenus can be distinguished from Neophilaenus species by their more convex outline when viewed from above (as opposed to the more parallel-sided Neophilaenus) and their overall pattern of markings. They are much smaller than Aphrophora species, although the patterning in the typical (TYP - see the downloadable species information sheet) form of Philaenus can appear similar to A. alni.