1. a small jumping insect that feeds on plant juices and produces a white frothy mass resembling spittle around itself as a nymph

Examples

• The gardener noticed white foam on the plant stems caused by spittlebugs.
• Spittlebugs are common pests in many gardens during spring and summer.
• The nymph stage of the spittlebug lives inside the protective foam.
• Adult spittlebugs can jump considerable distances when disturbed.
• The frothy secretion helps protect young spittlebugs from predators.
• Spittlebugs rarely cause serious damage to healthy plants.