There are millions of insects in the world. Some are so small they can only be seen with a microscope, but in some way each one has its part in keeping nature in balance, even though it is hard to see how some which seem harmful can be useful. One insect called the spittlebug, or froghopper, is an example of this. Some spittlebugs cause little damage to the plants they feed on, but other kinds cause serious damage.
Have you ever seen globs of white froth on grass stems or plants in your yard? The next time you see one, open the mass of bubbles and you will find a little nymph clinging tightly to the stem, sucking juice from it.
That mass of bubbles is the watery remains of plant sap that the nymph sucks from the plant mixed with other things from the nymph’s body. They use a weaker form of sap from the plant than most insects that feed on plants, so there is a lot of excess water. Special bacteria in their digestive system helps them survive on this lower-nutrient food. The Lord has given these little creatures special breathing tubes that make it possible for them to breathe in their watery home.
The Creator gave them their frothy surrounding as a way to protect themselves from heat, cold and dehydration, as well as from other insects and birds that would happily eat them. The sticky froth hides them and its bitter taste also helps stop predators.
When the nymphs are fully grown, they stop making the bubbly foam. The nymphs have become flat, hopping insects of different colors about half an inch long, called froghoppers. They got this name because they have impressive jumping abilities, even more than fleas. They jump from plant to plant, up to 28 inches upward and over 100 times their own length. If you could do this and are five feet tall, it would mean that you could jump 500 feet!
These little insects show how weak we are, because people can’t control them in spite of trying hard to do so. We know that even though some spittlebugs are very destructive, God has created them for a purpose, which perhaps only He can understand. If we are humble, we will admit that there are things only God can understand. We aren’t wise enough to understand everything God does, or He wouldn’t be God!
God is never pleased with proud ways, but He cares very much for us. He tells us to “humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He [cares] for you” (1 Peter 5:6-76Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6‑7)). Do you know His care?
Did You Know?
Spittlebugs can jump up to 28 inches upward and over 100 times their own length.
Messages of God’s Love 2/9/2025