Common Spittlebug - Philagra parva
Family Aphrophoridae
This page contains pictures and information about Common Spittlebugs that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.
- Body length 8mm
- The insect has a narrow curved horn on the front of the head. Its wings are brown in colour. They are common in Brisbane.
- Their nymphs produce 'spittle' clinging to the stems of shrubs or small trees to reduce the risk of dehydration or to deter parasites. Those spittle is sometimes known as cuckoo-spit.
- When carefully remove those 'spittle', we can see an insect nymph hiding inside.
- Those spit can be found on Wattle tree and Australian Pine as well. Also notice the black dots on the stems, which are the damages done by the insect.
- The above photos show the younger nymph and the last instars.
- Above photos show the nymph just turn into adult.
- Reference and links:
- 1. Insects of Australia, CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Melbourne University Press, 2nd Edition 1991, pp 468.
- 2. Philagra parva (Donovan) - Fletcher, M.J. (2009 and updates). Identification keys and checklists for the leafhoppers, planthoppers and their relatives occurring in Australia and neighbouring areas (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha).
- 3. Philagra parva - Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of the Environment and Heritage
