Red and Black Froghopper

Most UK froghoppers are green or brown but this excellent red and black one is the largest found in the UK at about 1cm long. Very easy to spot amongst all the green foliage on the HAHA Wildlife Plot at present.

The female lays eggs in plant stems in the Autumn. Froghopper nymphs develop in the all-too-familiar cuckoo spit which they produce as a protective shield and to avoid dehydration. The nymphs are generally green and develop into adults between May to July. This one will likely live for about 3 months in the hedgerow.

The nymphs feed on the sap of plants, in particular grasses and some flowers but are not considered a pest. Great to see a stunning insect like this before it pings off using its super-strength hind legs which enable it to jump up to 70cm!