Alder Spittlebug vs Cave Cixiid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alder Spittlebug | Cave Cixiid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphrophora alni | Oliarus polyphemus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Aphrophoridae | Cixiidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Caves |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Hawaii, Big Island |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Alder Spittlebug
A common European spittlebug found on willows and alders. Nymphs produce copious frothy spittle masses and adults can jump impressive distances.
Did You Know?
The frothy spittle mass protects the nymph from temperature extremes, predators, and parasitoids while also preventing desiccation.
Cave Cixiid
A remarkable cave-adapted planthopper from Hawaiian lava tubes that has lost its eyes and wings. Its body is pale and depigmented, adapted to complete darkness.
Did You Know?
This eyeless cave-dwelling planthopper was one of the first species used to study speciation in cave systems, with different populations in separate lava tubes diverging into distinct species.