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Aphrophora alni Alder Spittlebug
Family: Aphrophoridae

One of several similarly-patterned, large froghoppers, but probably the most common and widespread. The genus can be recognised by the keel running down the midline of the head and pronotum, and the species by the colour pattern with distinct white patches near the margin of the wings (but beware similarly-coloured specimens of Philaenus spumarius, and variants of other Aphrophora species).

It is a common species across the UK, on a wide range of trees and bushes.

      

Adult: May to October
Length 9-10 mm
Aphrophora alni
Adult: Warks (June 2007) ©Walwyn (Flickr.com)

pale form
Aphrophora alni
Adult: Cheshire (August 2008) ©Shane Farell

Adult: Cornwall (June 2006) ©Jon Law