Citrus Spittlebug vs Gyas Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Citrus Spittlebug Gyas Beetle
Scientific Name Clastoptera undulata Dynastes gyas
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Clastopteridae Dynastinae
Size 4-6 mm 50-110 mm
Habitat Orchards Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Southeastern United States, Mexico Brazil
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Gyas Beetle

A large South American relative of the Hercules beetle with shorter, thicker horns. Body is dark brown to black.

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Did You Know?

Unlike the Hercules beetle, their elytra remain dark and do not change color with humidity.