
I saw this cheerful looking Columbine in a garden we passed on a recent walk.

While photographing some wild flowers, I noticed this frothy substance on a nearby plant. It is produced by spittlebug nymphs and protects them from predators and temperature extremes. A mature spittlebug is also called a froghopper. It’s been a number of years since I’ve seen one. Actually, I’ve seen few insects so far this year. It’s been colder than usual, that might be the cause.