Alder Spittlebug vs Creeping Water Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alder Spittlebug Creeping Water Bug
Scientific Name Aphrophora alni Ilyocoris cimicoides
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Aphrophoridae Naucoridae
Size 8-10 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Sap Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alder Spittlebug

A common European spittlebug found on willows and alders. Nymphs produce copious frothy spittle masses and adults can jump impressive distances.

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Did You Know?

The frothy spittle mass protects the nymph from temperature extremes, predators, and parasitoids while also preventing desiccation.

Creeping Water Bug

A robust aquatic bug that crawls along pond bottoms and delivers a painful bite.

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Did You Know?

Its forelegs are powerfully built raptorial limbs for seizing prey.