 A Froghopper Takes Off
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July 31, 2003 — A novel method of jumping has catapulted a common garden bug to the top of the insect world's high leapers.
The froghopper, or spittle bug, (Philaenus spumarius), can outjump even fleas, once thought to be the highest fliers off the ground, according to an article in the journal Nature.
Malcolm Burrows of the University of Cambridge in England reported that the 6-millimeter-long (0.2-inch) froghopper can leap up to 70 centimeters (28 inches). That's equivalent to an average-sized man jumping a 210-meter (689-foot) building.
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To make their gigantic leaps, the insects must accelerate at more than 400 times the force of gravity, Burrows said.
How can they do it? By storing energy in their terrifically powerful hind legs in the run-up to a jump.
"The forces powering the jump could not be produced by direct muscle contractions over the short distances and brief time available, indicating that muscular force must be generated by a slow contraction in advance of the movement, storing energy, which is then released rapidly," Burrows wrote in Nature.
Froghoppers are common, making it surprising that their hurtling prowess has only just been realized.
"The amazing thing is that they were sitting on everyone's doorstep but no one ever measured them," Burrows said.
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Primary Classification: Cercopidae (Froghoppers)
Location: Worldwide Habitat: Tropical regions; typically found in meadows or on trees and shrubs. Diet: Plant sap. Size: Up to 0.75 inches. Description: Typically dull coloration; some species have red or yellow patterns; round eyes; often triangular in shape; stout hind legs Cool Facts: It can fly, but it usually hops from plant to plant. Nymphs, or larvae, secrete foam from their back ends; called "cuckoo spit," the froth protects them from drying out and being eaten by predators. Conservation Status: Common |
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