MadSci Network: Zoology
Query:

Re: Are spit bugs really bugs?

Date: Sat May 21 11:36:18 2005
Posted By: Elsa Cade, Science Education Instructor/entomologist
Area of science: Zoology
ID: 1116296971.Zo
Message:

The short answer is that yes, spit bugs are bugs. People often casually use the words bug and insect interchangebly. So in this case, yes, it is a bug. However to get technical, a bug by definition isn't just any old insect. Bug usually refer to insects from the order Hemiptera. The spit bug is not a member of thisgroup, so it sort of is not a bug, but certainly an insect. However, I won't get technical about it. For our purposes, it is a "bug".

The spit or spittle bug is an insect that produces a foamy froth which it then sits inside protected from predators. It usually forms the "spit" at a joint between the stalk and a branch of a plant. There the bug resides and inserts its beak in order to suck the plants juices.

Spittle bugs belong to group called Homoptera. These are plant hoppers, aphids and other members (see http://bugguide.net/node/view/63/bgimage).

Please see the attached link to see what the spittle bug looks like when the spit has been removed: http://bugguide.net/node/view/145/bgimage

Another interesting bit of information about the spit bug is that it is a powerful jumper. Until recently the flea was considered the highest jumper of the insect world, but a British study has shown that the bug can jump higher.

Next time you see one you will know that the high jumper of the insect world in hiding inside!


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