Citrus Spittlebug vs Oleander Aphid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Citrus Spittlebug | Oleander Aphid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clastoptera undulata | Aphis nerii |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Clastopteridae | Aphididae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Underground |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Southeastern United States, Mexico | Worldwide in tropical and warm temperate regions |
| 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.
Oleander Aphid
A bright yellow aphid with black cornicles and legs that feeds on oleander, milkweed, and other plants containing toxic cardiac glycosides. It sequesters these toxins for its own defense.
Did You Know?
Its bright yellow color serves as aposematic warning coloration because it sequesters cardiac glycosides from its host plants, making it toxic to most predators.