Spittlebugs
Friday, 27 May 2005 12:26
The white foam from spittlebugs can be seen now on Achillea, Boltonia, Coreopsis, Phlox, Potentilla and other perennials as the spittlebugs move in from grassy areas. Spittlebugs are sucking insects about 1/8 of an inch long. You can see white foam along the stems and leaf axils surrounding the small light-green spittlebug nymphs. This foam helps the nymphs stay moist and protects them from predators.
Spittlebugs overwinter as eggs deposited in the shoots. As the weather warms up in the spring, eggs hatch into nymphs that can take up to 7 weeks to mature into tan to dark brown adults. (There is only one generation a year).
Most of the damage is cosmetic only and does not harm the plant. If the infestation is small, either handpick the spittle masses with a gloved hand or use a forceful jet of water to dislodge the nymphs.
Leanne
