noun
- 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.