Description
Spittle bugs are small sap-sucking insects that form a frothy blob on plant foliage that looks like spit. The froth is created by the nymph which mixes plant sap with air to make frothy bubbles. The nymph hides in the bubbles protected from the sun and predators. The bubbles also provide insulation against low or high temperatures and the ability for the nymph to stay moist.
Adult spittle bugs fly or jump from plant to plant.
There are about 14 different species of spittle bug in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are not known to cause damage unless heavy infestation is present.
Common native plant hosts
| Scientific names | Māori/common names |
|---|---|
| Coprosma spp. | Shiny karamu, twiggy coprosma, taupata, mikimiki, kanono, manono |
| Leptospermum scoparium | Mānuka |
| Melicytus spp. | Māhoe, hinahina, whiteywood |
| Metrosideros excelsa | Pōhutukawa |
| Metrosideros robusta | Rātā |
| Muehlenbeckia spp. | Mingimingi, wiggywig, tororaro, pōhuehue, wire vine |
| Pseudopanax arboreus | Five-finger, whauwhaupaku |
| Veronica spp. | Hebe |
Scientific names
Coprosma spp.
Māori/common names
Shiny karamu, twiggy coprosma, taupata, mikimiki,
kanono, manono
kanono, manono
Scientific names
Leptospermum scoparium
Māori/common names
Mānuka
Scientific names
Melicytus spp.
Māori/common names
Māhoe, hinahina, whiteywood
Scientific names
Metrosideros excelsa
Māori/common names
Pōhutukawa
Scientific names
Metrosideros robusta
Māori/common names
Rātā
Scientific names
Muehlenbeckia spp.
Māori/common names
Mingimingi, wiggywig, tororaro, pōhuehue, wire vine
Scientific names
Pseudopanax arboreus
Māori/common names
Five-finger, whauwhaupaku
Scientific names
Veronica spp.
Māori/common names
Hebe
Symptoms and damage
- Frothy blob on plant foliage.
- May appear unsightly but very little damage.
- If heavily infested may cause leaves to lose shape.
- Potential vector for plant diseases.
Prevention and control tips
Spittle bugs cause little damage. If treatment is required, the froth can make it difficult to target with contact insecticides. Hose the plants first to remove the froth and spray when plants are dry or use a systemic insecticide.