Spittle Bug

a black and orange spittle bug, Cercopidae, from Eldoret, Kenya. Photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed at Eldoret Kenya. July 2014.

A mass of frothy bubbles partially hides developing nymphs (immatures) of spittlebugs. The adult, at left, appears to display aposomatic colors suggesting that some defensive chemical capable of repelling an insectivorous bird is sequestered in the bug. This adults are capable of jumping and flying away if need be and they have very good vision.

Cercopidae -- Spittle Bug Family

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Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 17 October 2014