cuckoo spit

English

Etymology

From appearing on plants at around the time that cuckoo birds return in the spring.

Noun

cuckoo spit (uncountable)

1. A frothy mass of white liquid that is secreted onto plants by froghopper larvae and serves as a protective covering.

Synonyms

• cuckoo-spittle
• frog spit
• toad-spit

Related terms

• spitbug
• spittlebug

Translations

frothy mass

• Dutch: koekoeksspuug
• Finnish: käärmeensylki