Lesser Water Boatman vs Citrus Spittlebug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Water Boatman | Citrus Spittlebug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sigara striata | Clastoptera undulata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Corixidae | Clastopteridae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Orchards |
| Diet | Detritivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southeastern United States, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lesser Water Boatman
A small water boatman with fine dark striations across its forewings. It is among the most abundant aquatic insects in European standing waters. It feeds by scraping algae and organic material from submerged surfaces.
Did You Know?
In Mexico, a related species' eggs are harvested in such quantities from lake surfaces that they are dried and sold as a traditional food called 'ahuautle,' once known as Mexican caviar.
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.