Cuckoo-spit

Description:

the larvae of Philaenus spumarius - Meadow Froghopper are the familiar producers of 'cuckoo-spit' in gardens.

Habitat:

Serra Algarvia, countryside meadows

Notes:

Cigarrinha-da-espuma "The females lay eggs singly or in groups on the food plants of the larvae. A single female can produce up to 350 to 400 eggs. In unfavorable climatic periods, these froghoppers can survive in the form of eggs. The larvae are well known for the self-generated foam nests, that can be observed in Spring in meadows (especially on Cuckoo Flowers, Cardamine pratensis and broom, Genista species). Their larvae in the foam nests are largely protected from predators and also get the necessary moisture for the development and temperature, so their mortality remains low even in bad weather. The larval stage lasts about 50 days. The adults leave the foam nest only when it is completely dried. This takes about ten days. The females mate soon after." wiki