The meadow spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) is an extraordinarily widespread froghopper native throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It is perhaps best known for the frothy, foam-like “cuckoo-spit” masses its nymphs construct on plant stems—a custom shield that protects them from predators and desiccation while they feed on nutrient-poor xylem sap. For nature enthusiasts and photographers, however, the adults are a dream subject due to their breathtaking color polymorphism. Individuals of this single species can exhibit up to 20 distinct color variations, ranging from pale creams and vibrant yellows to deep browns and velvety blacks, often adorned with bold longitudinal stripes or intricate mosaic patterns. I have crossed paths with these variable insects in very different settings—encountering distinct color morphs on the Greek island of Spetses in autumn 2024, and again in a Swedish park in the summer of 2026. In both instances, I had just a single chance to approach patiently and fire off a few frames before the insect launched itself into the air so fast that tracking it down was completely impossible.