Look out for cuckoo spit and help scientists map the distribution of spittlebugs....
Look out for cuckoo spit and help scientists map the distribution of spittlebugs....You may have heard news of Xylella, a bacterium causing extensive damage to trees and plants in continental Europe. Xylella is not currently present in the UK but scientists want to map the distribution and preferred habitats of its main vector—the spittlebug (also known as the froghopper). Due to its sap-sucking habits this insect can transmit Xylella, so by building up a national picture of its whereabouts they hope to be able to predict the spread of Xylella and be ahead of the game should it ever reach the UK.
Don't panic if you see cuckoo spit, the spittlebug simply has the potential to be an unwitting courier for the bacterium should it ever appears in this country. Scientists want UK gardeners to help them by sharing their sightings (and photos if possible) of spittlebugs anywhere outdoors, not just within the confines of a garden or allotment. See the links below for more information.
Find out more about this national bug hunt here.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-48383730
You can record any spittlebug sightings here.
https://www.xylemfeedinginsects.co.uk/
Look out for cuckoo spit and help scientists map the distribution of spittlebugs....You may have heard news of Xylella, a bacterium causing extensive damage to trees and plants in continental Europe. Xylella is not currently present in the UK but scientists want to map the distribution and preferred habitats of its main vector—the spittlebug (also known as the froghopper). Due to its sap-sucking habits this insect can transmit Xylella, so by building up a national picture of its whereabouts they hope to be able to predict the spread of Xylella and be ahead of the game should it ever reach the UK.
Don't panic if you see cuckoo spit, the spittlebug simply has the potential to be an unwitting courier for the bacterium should it ever appears in this country. Scientists want UK gardeners to help them by sharing their sightings (and photos if possible) of spittlebugs anywhere outdoors, not just within the confines of a garden or allotment. See the links below for more information.
Find out more about this national bug hunt here.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-48383730
You can record any spittlebug sightings here.
https://www.xylemfeedinginsects.co.uk/