Two-Lined Spittlebug

Photo of an adult two-lined spittlebug on a leaf
Scientific Name
Prosapia bicincta
Family
Cercopidae (froghoppers), in superfamily Cercopoidea
Description

The two-lined spittlebug is a common member of the froghopper family. The two lines may be red, orange, or yellow. Some individuals are all black, except for the red eyes.

Immature (larvae, or nymphs) two-lined spittlebugs suck juices from several species of grasses. Their tender bodies are protected from predators and dry conditions by a mass of of spittle-like foam they produce to cover themselves with.

Adults suck juices from grasses and from the undersides of holly leaves.

Similar species: A closely related species, the red-legged spittlebug (P. ignipectus), is very similar but has red legs.

Learn more about this and other spittlebugs and froghoppers on their group page.

Media Gallery
Photo of an adult two-lined spittlebug on a leaf
The two-lined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) is a common member of the froghopper family.
Donna Brunet
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Photo of an adult two-lined spittlebug on a leaf
Similar Species
About Land Invertebrates in Missouri
Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and arthropods. Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. There may be as many as 10 million species of insects alive on earth today, and they probably constitute more than 90 percent all animal species.