Lace Bug vs Citrus Spittlebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lace Bug Citrus Spittlebug
Scientific Name Corythucha ciliata Clastoptera undulata
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Tingidae Clastopteridae
Size 3-4 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions North America, Europe Southeastern United States, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lace Bug

A tiny bug with extraordinary lace-like transparent wing covers that resemble intricate stained glass windows. It feeds on sycamore and plane tree leaves, causing silvery discoloration.

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Did You Know?

The delicate lattice-like wing structure of lace bugs is so ornate and regular that it has inspired designs in jewelry, architecture, and 3D-printed materials.

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.