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Step 1
Find spittlebugs throughout North America, particularly along the coasts. Meadow spittlebugs live in meadows and fields, while you can find pine spittlebugs in coniferous woods. Some of the common plants that spittlebugs feed on include goldenrod, chrysanthemums and roses.
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Step 2
Look at the appearance of a spittlebug. Spittlebugs have a pear-shaped body and an elongate appearance. Adults may be colored reddish brown, brown, gray or tan. Juveniles (nymphs) typically have a greenish or yellowish coloring, but some juveniles may also be brown colored. Adult spittlebugs have short, thick wings and either one or two spines on each of their rear legs.
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Step 3
Take note of the size of a spittlebug. Spittlebugs typically range from approximately 1/8 to 1/2-inch in length. Nymphs are obviously smaller in size than their adult counterparts.
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Step 4
Observe the behaviors of spittlebugs. Adult spittlebugs are adept jumpers and resemble jumping frogs. Spittlebugs, despite having short wings, rarely fly. Juvenile spittlebugs produce a bubbly foam, known as spittle, on plant leaves and stems as they feed. A spittlebug nymph excretes this foam-like substance from its anus. The spittle serves to protect the spittlebug from predators and extreme temperatures. To spot juvenile spittlebugs, look for this foamy spittle. Adults, however, do not produce spittle.
