Desert Clastoptera vs Aphid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Clastoptera Aphid
Scientific Name Clastoptera arizonana Myzus persicae
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Clastopteridae Aphididae
Size 4-6 mm 1-3 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions North America Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Desert Clastoptera

A tiny spittlebug found on desert shrubs in the American Southwest. Nymphs surround themselves with a frothy mass for moisture and protection.

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Did You Know?

The frothy spittle covering its nymphs provides insulation from extreme desert temperatures.

Aphid

Tiny sap-sucking insects with extraordinary reproduction. Can reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis) and give birth to live young that are already pregnant, telescoping generations.

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Did You Know?

Aphids can telescope generations — a female can contain a developing daughter, who already has a developing granddaughter inside her, all without mating.