Cuckoo spit(the bug...)

[manny]

You will have seen all that 'spit' on grass while out walking...well here is the bug that makes that spit.



http://www.karls-photography.co.uk/macro/219.jpg

[Kaye]

Karl this is great - well done. What is the name of this creature??

[Pat]

In the parts of Canada I've inhabited over the years we used to call this "frog spit". It is, oddly enough, called the Spittlebug. It is the larval stage that produces the "spittle". It's function apparently is to provide a moist environment for the larva, which can be found inside, and possibly to provide a foul tasting protection against predators, though this seems to be speculation. If anyone should care to test this theory and report back here, I'm sure it would be appreciated.