Invasive spittlebug threatens Hawaii grazing land

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) — University of Hawaii and state officials are joining forces to contain an insect that is threatening grazing lands on the Big Island.

The spittlebug, which creates "spittle masses" where nymphs mature into adults, feeds at the base of grasses and sucks fluid from the plants.

State agriculture officials are working with the Florida Department of Agriculture to identify natural enemies of the insect.