Spiddlebug

A foam or froth found on the growing tips of plants hides the nymph of a true bug which actually produces the white mass.  This is a very effective protective mechanism for the immature insect as most preditors will not find the froth attractive.  The adult spiddle bugs look like small brown leaf hoppers.  Both nymphs and adults have piercing-sucking mouthparts for extracting plant fluids.  Photos by Laurel Woodley