Water Treader vs Common Froghopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Water Treader | Common Froghopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mesovelia mulsanti | Philaenus spumarius form typicus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Mesoveliidae | Aphrophoridae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 5-7mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Americas, from United States to South America | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Water Treader
A tiny, bright green semi-aquatic bug that walks on the surface of still waters among floating vegetation. It is widespread across the Americas and is often found on lily pads and duckweed. Both winged and wingless forms exist.
Did You Know?
It hunts by detecting the tiny ripples made by struggling prey items on the water surface, running across lily pads and open water to reach them.
Common Froghopper
The classic form of the common froghopper with mottled brown coloring. Creates the familiar cuckoo-spit on plants.
Did You Know?
The white frothy cuckoo-spit on plants is produced by nymphs blowing air into a sticky fluid excreted from their rear end.