But for many people, the presence of this charming little jumper will be the familiar 'Cuckoo spit' found on garden shrubs and plants during the Spring and Summer months. A look inside the froth, will usually reveal the nymph, or as in the case of our photograph - a newly formed adult.

The spit is produced by the nymph to prevent them from drying up and for a degree of protection and is a clever deterrant for many would be predators. It is produced by the nymph, by forcing air into a fluid exuded from the anus.

Similar species

Neophilaenus lineatus and Neophilaenus exclamationis are two similar and noticeably smaller species of Froghopper. Both could be mistaken for Philaneus spumarius, but both are unlikely to occur in most gardens, preferring more open, grassy habitats.

In a garden setting, the most likely confusion species is the larger Aphrophora alni, which regularly occurs on the stems of taller vegetation in urban and suburban gardens.

Adult occurrence: Typically occurs from June until September, but we have numerous records from October and up to the end of November, when it regularly appears at an MV light trap operated from our garden.

Identification: Length 5-7mm. Philaenus spumarius is extremely variable in colouration, with numerous colour forms. The outer edge of the forewing is convex throughout its length.

Adult occurrence: Adults are around from June through to November, with some over-wintering.

Identification: Length 5-7mm. Superficially similar to Philaenus spumarius, but smaller and easily identified by the pale line running down the length of the forewing.

Neophilaenus exclamationis is a species of dry, grassy sites, where sweep-netting is the most productive method of finding it. It has regularly turned up during surveys of heathland sites and it is commonest in the more grassy sections of Budby South Forest, Rainworth Heath and Sherwood Heath, but we also have records from Gedling CP and Langwith Quarry.

Adult occurrence: June, continuing into November with some adults remaining to over-winter.

Identification: At 4-5mm, Neophilaenus exclamationis is smaller than N. lineatus and Philaenus spumarius. Identification is relatively straight forward, with the distinguishing features being the pale area along the costal margin and a pale triangular spot near the apex.

Adult occurrence: Typically from June to October most years.

Identification: This is probably the most likely confusion species with Philaenus spumarius, although the length (9-10mm) should really avoid any confusion between the two species. Aphrophora Froghoppers can be recognised by the keel running down the mid-line of the head and pronotum.