Citrus Spittlebug vs African Goliath Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Citrus Spittlebug African Goliath Beetle
Scientific Name Clastoptera undulata Goliathus cacicus
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Clastopteridae Scarabaeidae
Size 4-6 mm 50-90 mm
Habitat Orchards Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Southeastern United States, Mexico West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Citrus Spittlebug

A small oval-shaped spittlebug with dark brown and cream banding. Nymphs produce frothy spittle masses on pecan, citrus, and other trees throughout the southeastern United States.

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Did You Know?

Spittle masses produced by the nymphs can be so abundant on pecan trees that they rain down on people walking beneath, giving the impression of a light drizzle.

African Goliath Beetle

A large cetoniine beetle with cream and dark brown patterning across its wing cases. It is found in lowland forests of West Africa.

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Did You Know?

Goliathus cacicus was one of the first goliath beetle species described by European naturalists in the 18th century.