It has a very bitter taste. The genus Aphrophora is common throughout California. During the nymph stage, the nymph extracts fluid from the host plant and excretes spittle and air, which flow over the nymph's body and mix with secretions from the abdomen. The result is a long-lasting bubbly mixture that covers the nymphs. Because of these features, the adult is often called a froghopper, and in field guides both names are used.
Adult coloration is drab, with brownish shades being typical.
While local species appear to have no adverse effects on plants in TPSR, large infestations in agricultural areas can cause significant reduction in crop yield. Hogue C.L., Insects of the Los Angeles Basin. Audubon Guide to North American Insects and Spiders. In Southern California the spider has a strong preference for cactus and in TPSR it is found almost exclusively on clumps of prickly pear cactus. It has a very wide abdomen with lobes or bumps at the end.