Cuckoo Spit
According the Royal Horticultural Society, cuckoo spit is the white frothy liquid secreted by the immature nymphs of a sap-sucking insect known as a froghopper or spittlebug. I bet you all knew that already but ignoramus that I am, it’s all news to me! (I knew it was cuckoo spit, obviously, but wasn’t sure what it actually was). It appears in late spring when the call of cuckoos can be heard, but otherwise has no connection with the bird. So that’s the scientific bit over and done with but if you would like to read more, click here. Sherkin Island thistles have suddenly caught my eye, and I have been amazed to see how many different and beautiful varieties there are on the island. I’m hoping to come back at a later stage with another post on the subject.
Well… thanks for the lesson!
I must be super ignoramus because I’d never heard of cuckoo spit or the bug doing the spitting!!
I’m even wondering if them lazy birds make it this far north? 😉
🙂
I’m sure they do….but perhaps not as far as SA!
I think it’s much more fun as spit from teenage cuckoos who just don’t care!
🙂 What? Teenage birds displaying anti-social behaviour? Never! 🙂
Wow, fascinating!
So there aren’t a bunch of cuckoos on the island that are spitting on the thistles? 🙂
But seriously, I also did not know about cuckoo spit. I don’t think I have ever seen it where I live. Good observation, wildsherkin! It’s great that you see something and then inquire into it. Most people would probably walk right by it, either not noticing it at all or not have any further interest in learning what it might be.
Thanks Andelieya. I like the concept! P
That is one fine thistle P . Love the graded shades of the purple and mauve .
I wonder… who has ever seen these nymphs ??
We seem to be sadly lacking in thistles on my usual walk …. So many last year, and as one brushed past up flew butterflies galore …
Hi Poppy, I wouldn’t know one of the nymphs if I saw one! I bet they hop around so quickly that we never get a proper look. I didn’t realise that thistles attract butterflies but I suppose with all of those gorgeous colours, they are bound to. There are definitely more butterflies around this year than last. I took a photo of a whole ‘bunch’ of caterpillars – literally looking like a flower head and was so excited until I realised that it was out of focus…quite a sight to see but I might be letting myself down a bit on the photography front by posting it…
Sherkin island thistles are so special!
I thought I have seen them all in Scotland?! ;p
This one is definitely a bit different! The colour is much darker and intense. Next time I am back on the island I will go thistle hunting!
We have spittlebugs here in New Zealand too but no mention of cuckoos even though we have Shining Cuckoos here in spring and summer.
That’s interesting! What are Shining Cuckoos? 🙂
Aah shure we all learn something mew every day 🙂 The little green frog hopper inside the spit is really not harmful to plants, we are told….but can you imagine seeing a cuckoo really spitting…lol
I’d say you know the troublesome ones, Cath! 🙂
The porcupine like spikes on the flowers are such wonderful shades of purple / pink and all set off with the white tips. Magic. Love the details in the ‘thorns’ to the left of froghopper spittle! Thistles can be amazing and what variety too. MM 🌸
Thanks MM. Thistles can look so ordinary from a distance but they are very beautiful close up. The white tips have come out better than expected. 🙂