The spittle is the secretion of the Spittlebug nymph. They attach themselves to a stem, gorge themselves on the sap, taking up excessive amounts of water and carbohydrates. They expel the excess via their anal area, thus providing themselves with a frothy 'cocoon' which protects the nymph from predation as well as insulating it from the elements.
I didn't wreck one of the frothy masses to find the nymph, deciding to leave them in peace. I will have another look for the insect now the wind has ceased here and the camera is back on the table!
(Click to enlarge)
UPDATE: I did a little exploration.
Here's the Spittlebug nymph It quickly regained it's composure with more spittle!
HEMIPTERA : Aphrophoridae
2 comments:
hi Junior Lepid,
that is absolutely fascinating!! I have found similar frothy stuff on Callistamon trees in my garden and wondered what the devil they could be.
Thank you so much.
Cheers
Gaye
Hello Gaye,
Glad I could help. I've been looking out for this. I'd seen it before but couldn't remember exactly when.
It's a massive learning experience, isn't it?
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