Spittlebug (Froghopper nymph)

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Sun May 19, 2013 10:14 pm

A quick, simple shot. Illuminated through the blade of grass where it was found.. 5/0.15 for first image, 10/0.30 (cropped) second image. Nikon MM-11 microscope. Canon T3i.

len · Post by **len** » Mon May 20, 2013 1:31 am

Great finding, the nymph looks quite pleased inside its leaf cradle

pwnell · Post by **pwnell** » Mon May 20, 2013 11:08 am

That is nice. I have long pondered trying this myself as we have many of them here, but it must be tricky to unwrap the nymph!

Jacek · Post by **Jacek** » Mon May 20, 2013 11:19 am

beautiful shots

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Mon May 20, 2013 11:56 am

but it must be tricky to unwrap the nymph!

Not at all really. These (many of them!) were on a tall field grass that has wide flat blades. I snipped the blade on either side of the "spittle" and taped it to a slide, then carefully scraped off the bulk of the spittle until the insect was exposed. They won't sit still for long.

pwnell · Post by **pwnell** » Mon May 20, 2013 2:20 pm

Charles Krebs wrote:
but it must be tricky to unwrap the nymph!
Not at all really.

Not if you are as skilled as you are!

JH · Post by JH » Mon May 20, 2013 3:10 pm

That is some inspiring photos!
Jörgen

curt0909 · Post by **curt0909** » Mon May 20, 2013 5:33 pm

Really nice Charlie. I especially like the intricate patterns on the head of photo #2. Well done.