Froghopper

Description:

a/k/a Spittle bugs or Spit bugs. I got curious to see what the actual bug looked like, so, I opened up the little "bubbly house". I put him back whenever I got the photo. The froth serves a number of purposes. It hides the nymph from the view of predators and parasites, it insulates against heat and cold, thus providing thermal control and also moisture control. Without the froth the bug would quickly dry up. The nymphs pierce plants and suck sap causing damage, and much of the excess filtered fluids go into the production of the froth, which has an acrid taste, deterring predators.

Habitat:

On a Hollyhock leaf in my garden.