On Friday we told you about what looked like the formation of an icicle on the limb of a cotton tree in Ladyville. It caused quite a stir in the community because some residents thought it was snow. As we reported, meteorologist Derrick Rudon attributed this occurrence to an excessive cooling of the limb or rapid evaporation. But that might not be the only explanation. According to email and facebook chatter we've picked up on, the sliver of ice may be the work of what's known as a spittlebug.
Now, a spittlebug feeds on plant sap. But as they ingest the sap it is secreted from their bodies at a rapid pace. This secretion forms what is called a "spittle mass" or what we would call foam or lather -which acts as a shield from predators. We contacted the director of plant protection at BAHA today and he was unable to confirm this theory without an onsite inspection. But according to him, the possibility of it being a spittlebug is questionable because 1.) It wouldn't be oozing or dripping liquid and 2.) Growth of these bugs would normally slow down during the cool morning weather. So it still remains a mystery to residents, meteorologists and BAHA. We will keep following up on it.
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On Friday we told you about what looked like the formation of an icicle on the limb of a cotton tree in Ladyville. It caused quite a stir in the community because some residents thought it was snow. As we reported, meteorologist Derrick Rudon attributed this occurrence to an excessive cooling of the limb or rapid evaporation. But that might not be the only explanation. According to email and facebook chatter we've picked up on, the sliver of ice may be the work of what's known as a spittlebug.