Citrus Spittlebug vs Gumtree Shield Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Citrus Spittlebug | Gumtree Shield Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clastoptera undulata | Poecilometis strigatus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Clastopteridae | Pentatomidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Underground |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Southeastern United States, Mexico | Australia, Oceania |
| 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.
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.
Gumtree Shield Bug
A large shield bug commonly found on eucalyptus trees across Australia. It has a distinctive brown and cream patterned body with a broad, shield-shaped pronotum.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, it releases a powerful stink from thoracic glands that can linger on human skin for hours.