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Nymphs of spittlebugs form frothy masses of spittle which represent the primary indicator of spittlebug presence. These nymphs appear very similar to large leafhopper nymphs, although they are relatively slow moving. The brown adults are about 1/4 inch in length and appear like leafhoppers with blunt heads and large eyes. Meadow spittlebugs are distributed throughout the country east of the Mississippi and along the Pacific coast.
Figure 1. Spittlebug.
Spittlebugs are sucking insects. The presence of large numbers of nymphs causes stress to the plant host and stunting of growth. Adults do not cause economic damage to alfalfa.
Spittlebugs overwinter as eggs which are laid in the fall. As weather conditions become warm in the spring, eggs hatch into nymphs which proceed to locate a suitable host and generate the characteristic spittle mass. The nymphal period includes five instar stages which develop over a period of 5 to 8 weeks. As a result, spittlebug nymph activity spans the most of the 1st cutting of alfalfa and part of the 2nd cutting. Adult spittlebugs can be found in the field from late spring until fall.
The primary measure for assessment of spittlebug activity is the number of spittle masses per stem. Since stems are sampled during the 1st cutting for determining abundance of alfalfa weevil, the number of spittle masses found per 30 stems should also be noted.
Application of a chemical rescue treatment specifically for the control of spittlebug is rare. However, if an average of 1 or more spittle masses are found per plant and other pests are causing potential injury, then a rescue treatment may be warranted.
In general, spittlebug activity may be considered a pest of secondary importance. However, the presence of spittlebug in abundance may become the deciding factor in a marginal situation of alfalfa weevil or early potato leafhopper activity.
Copyright 1993, The Ohio State University
OPMS Circular # FC-34
Prepared by: Harold R. Willson, Dept. of Entomology
April, 1988
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
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