Frog Hoppers

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One of several similarly-patterned, large froghoppers, but probably the most common and widespread. The genus can be recognised by the keel running down the midline of the head and pronotum, and the species by the colour pattern with distinct white patches near the margin of the wings (but beware similarly-coloured specimens of Philaenus spumarius, and variants of other Aphrophora species).

Length 5-7 mm. A spectacularly variable species, with many dramatically different colour forms. Usually on vegetation such as bushes in grassy areas. The larvae are the familiar producers of 'Cuckoo-spit' in gardens.

A truly unmistakable species, and one of our largest homopterans. The nymphs are rarely seen, as they feed on underground roots.
Adults are found in mainland Britain south of the Scottish Highlands, in a variety of wooded and open habitats.