froghopper

[ frog-hop-er, frawg- ]

noun

1. any of numerous leaping, homopterous insects of the family Cercopidae, which in the immature stages live in a spittlelike secretion on plants.

froghopper

/ ˈfrɒɡˌhɒpə /

noun

1. any small leaping herbivorous homopterous insect of the family Cercopidae , whose larvae secrete a protective spittle-like substance around themselves Also calledspittle insectspittlebug

Word History and Origins

Origin of froghopper¹

First recorded in 1705–15; frog ¹ + hopper

Example Sentences

By placing feeding froghoppers in chambers that measure expelled carbon dioxide, the researchers could calculate the insects’ metabolic rate.

From Science News

Philaenus spumarius froghoppers pierce plants with their mouthparts to feed solely on xylem sap, a fluid made mostly of water that moves through plants’ internal plumbing.

From Science News