June 2022: You can record sightings via iRecord: https://irecord.org.uk/survey-xylem-feeding-insects
BBC News article, 26 May 2019 Volunteers needed to spot insect's spittle
"Scientists are calling for thousands of volunteers to help record sightings of spittle and spittlebugs across the UK. The information will be used to map the distribution of the insect, in a pre-emptive strike against a deadly plant disease. Xylella has struck several EU countries, blighting olive groves in southern Italy. The UK is clear of the disease but is on high alert." "... it could actually affect our native tree species as well, things like oak trees, a number of different ash species, sycamore" Information on the damaging bacterium, Xylella, is availablle from the Royal Horticultural Society 'Cuckoo spit', the white, frothy, liquid seen on plants in late spring is caused by nymphs (immature form) of the froghopper. |