Frog Hoppers
They belong to the same order as the Aphidae, but to that section which has the whole of the upper wings leathery. There are two simple eyes or "ocelli," in addition to the two compound ones common to insects in general. It is the larvae of the "hoppers" that produce Cuckoo Spit. The former are plentiful in spring, while the perfect insects abound most in the autumn. When the curious-looking larvae are deprived of the shelter afforded by this sugary secretion, they appear at first quite helpless, and, if the day be hot, are almost immediately killed. Hence an effectual mode of clearing plants of Cuckoo Spit, is to brush it off during sunshine, and the insects are at the same time destroyed. This pest attacks the young shoots of plants, choosing the axil of a leaf for its abode, and so damaging the shoot in some cases as to cause it to die or become malformed. Carnations, Pinks, and similar plants suffer greatly from its ravages. The following remedies, together with a frequent syringing with clear water, will be found effective: Tobacco Liquid. To a gallon of water add 1oz. of soft soap, and, when thoroughly dissolved, mix a tablespoonful of Corry and Soper's Nicotine, well syringing the plants. This is best applied lukewarm, and then well washed off with clean water in about an hour.
Quassia. Steep 1/4 lb. quassia chips in a gallon of boiling water, and, when cold, add about the same quantity of water. This should be applied with a syringe, and not washed off afterwards. It renders the stems of the plants nauseous, but does not injure them. Bitter aloes may also be used in a similar way.