Integrated Pest Management Guide

MEADOW SPITTLEBUG, Philaenus spumarius (L.)

Pest Status: This insect is sometimes observed but is not known to cause serious damage to cranberries in British Columbia.

Life cycle and feeding habits: The nymphs live in white masses of spittle which they form around themselves on the plant stem. When fully grown, spittlebug nymphs are about 6 mm (1/4 inch) long and are yellow to orange. They suck sap from cranberry shoots. The adults, which do not form froth shelters, feed on the vines in a similar manner. There is only one generation per year. These insects overwinter as eggs in the bark of cranberry vines. Eggs hatch in early spring and the first spittle masses, containing the nymphs, occur in late April to May. Adults appear in late May and are present until late fall. Eggs are laid from July until the first frost. The adults are wedged-shaped, greyish brown insects with short, blunt heads with large eyes. Adults measure about 6 - 10 mm (1/4 - 3/8 inch) long. They jump and fly readily.

Control: Spittlebugs do not do enough damage to warrant control. Occasionally they may do local damage. Their feeding causes upright tips to bend over and heavy feeding can deform the tips even more. Insecticide chemigation is not effective against the nymphs which are protected in the spittle, so backpack sprays may be more effective should infestations occur.
 

Meadow spittlebug nymph

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