Caterpillars are not the only animals that are resourceful in
using their food plants to hide themselves from danger. While hiding inside the plants'
leaves and
stems is relatively common, one group literally forms protective bubbles by blowing air into an excretion of the plants' sap.
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| Bubbles on a goldenrod (Solidago sp.) stem. |
The result is a blob of bubbles, commonly referred to as frog spit, snake spit, or cuckoo spit. However, the "spit" does not come from any frog, snake, or cuckoo; it comes from a small insect concealed underneath the bubbles.
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| Something is visible underneath the bubbles. |
When the bubbles are brushed away, the bubble-blower -- a spittlebug -- is revealed.
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| A spittlebug (a.k.a. froghopper) nymph. |
Although the bubbles were easy enough for me move aside, they apparently form an effective barrier against smaller enemies, as well as the elements.
Explore some more: "
The frothblower"
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