Spittlebugs: The Mysterious Bubble Makers

I was walking the trail at Sunnymede Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas when I spotted tiny bubbles on a plant growing near the trail. I knew these bubbles were made by a Spittlebug. Back in May 2016 I was interviewed by a reporter with the Arkansas Democrat Gazette in reference to Spittlebugs (Bubble, bubble: Toll, but no real trouble). I took a photo of these tiny bubbles.

Spittlebugs are small insects that belong to the order Hemiptera. They are also known as froghoppers because of their ability to jump great distances. The nymphs of spittlebugs are the ones that produce the foamy bubbles. The bubbles are made up of a mixture of saliva and air. The nymphs live inside the bubbles, which protect them from predators and the elements.

Spittlebugs feed on the sap of plants. They can cause some damage to plants, but they are not usually considered to be a major pest. The nymphs of spittlebugs can be a nuisance because they can be found in large numbers.

I was happy to be able to capture a photo of these tiny creatures. They are an interesting part of our natural world.

Here are some additional facts about Spittlebugs:

• There are over 3,000 species of Spittlebugs worldwide.
• Spittlebugs are found in all parts of the world, except for Antarctica.
• The nymphs of Spittlebugs can grow up to 1 inch long.
• Adult Spittlebugs are about 1/4 inch long.
• Spittlebugs are attracted to light and heat.
• Spittlebugs are a food source for birds, bats, and other predators.

I hope you enjoyed learning about Spittlebugs!

Gear Used:

• Camera: Canon EOS R7
• Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
  

Technical:

• Location: Sunnymede Park, Fort Smith (Arkansas)
• Date and Time Taken: May 14, 2023 (07:19 A. M.)
• Aperture: f8
• Shutter speed: 1/800
• ISO: 1250 (Auto)
• Exposure Compensation: 0
• Focal Length: 500 mm