Cuckoo Spit Collection

Metamorphoses of the Cuckoo Spit, Aphrophora spumaria (engraving)
5224635 Metamorphoses of the Cuckoo Spit, Aphrophora spumaria (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Metamorphoses of the Cuckoo Spit, Aphrophora spumaria)

Froghopper Nymph / Cuckoo-spit Insect AEB 1675 Phylaenus © Liz Bomford / ARDEA LONDON
AEB-1675 Froghopper Nymph / Cuckoo-spit Insect Phylaenus Elizabeth Bomford Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Froghopper (Cercopoidea sp. ) nymph in cuckoo-spit froth on heather, Powys, Wales, July
Froghopper (Cercopoidea sp.) nymph in cuckoo-spit froth on heather, Powys, Wales, July

Plant covered in cuckoo spit from Froghopper or Spittlebug nymph (Philaenus spumarius), greenfly perching on nearby stem

Section of plant stem showing nymph of Froghopper or Spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) near plant sap (cuckoo spit), and colony of greenflies

Spit Bug / Froghopper nymph - making bubble enclosure on rose stem - UK
DOW-490 Spit Bug / Froghopper nymph - making bubble enclosure on rose stem UK Philaenus sp Steve Downer contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: +44 (0) 20 8318 1401

Common Froghopper (Philoenus spumarius) nymph in cuckoo-spit froth, England, may

Cuckoo spit (Philaenus spumarius), artwork. This species is also known as the common froghopper. It derives its name from the protective frothy foam that the nypmhs surround themselves with

Froghopper, SEM
Froghopper. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the underside of the head of a froghopper (superfamily Cercopoidea)

Cuckoo spit (Philaenus spumarius) on a plant in the Spring. Photographed in France

Cuckoo spit on a plant
Cuckoo spit, also known as nymphs, of a common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) on a plant, in the Spring. Photographed in France

Cuckoo spit, or nymphs of common froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) on plant, spring
ROG-13075 Cuckoo spit, or nymphs of common froghopper - on plant, spring France Philaenus spumarius Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

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"Cuckoo Spit: The Enigmatic Metamorphoses of the Froghopper Nymph" Delve into the fascinating world of cuckoo spit, a peculiar phenomenon created by the froghopper nymph. This engraving titled "Metamorphoses of the Cuckoo Spit" captures the essence of this intriguing insect, Aphrophora spumaria. In picturesque Powys, Wales, a heather plant becomes home to a froghopper nymph encased in its protective cuckoo-spit froth. Nearby, a greenfly perches on another stem covered in this mysterious substance secreted by Philaenus spumarius nymphs. A closer look reveals an intricate section of plant stem showcasing both the nymph and its colony of greenflies feeding on plant sap within their cozy abode made from cuckoo spit. It's truly nature's ingenious design at work. Witnessing these remarkable creatures in action is awe-inspiring. In one instance captured in London, UK, we see a Spit Bug or Froghopper nymph meticulously crafting its bubble enclosure on a rose stem—an architectural masterpiece indeed. But it's not just froghoppers that captivate our attention; even caterpillars like those belonging to the Orange-tip Butterfly find nourishment amidst Garlic Mustard plants such as Alliaria petiolata. The Common Froghopper also makes an appearance with its distinctive appearance and presence within cuckoo-spit froth found across England during May—a testament to their widespread existence. Through stunning SEM imagery, we gain insight into the microscopic world inhabited by these tiny creatures—their delicate features and intricate structures becoming visible under magnification. So next time you come across that foamy substance known as cuckoo spit while exploring nature's wonders, take a moment to appreciate the hidden life within—a testament to evolution's ingenuity and biodiversity at play.