Cercopid sp.
Froghoppers and spittlebugs are common names for insects in the family Cercopidae. Both the nymph and adult feed on plants. These insects consume liquid plant material, which is then excreted and rapidly stirred by structures on their abdomens. This process produces a bitter and frothy substance that acts as a protective "spittle" for congregations of nymphs. These congregations often look like masses of "spittle" on plant stems, which has earned them the common name of spittlebugs.
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Cercopidae
Photograph: © 2016 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 13 August 2016
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45o42'48" N 111o08'60" W)