Madagascar Lantern Bug vs Citrus Spittlebug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Madagascar Lantern Bug | Citrus Spittlebug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zanna madagascariensis | Clastoptera undulata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Fulgoridae | Clastopteridae |
| Size | 50-70 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Orchards |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Madagascar | Southeastern United States, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Madagascar Lantern Bug
A large planthopper with a bulbous snout-like head projection and colorful spotted hindwings. The forewings are cryptically patterned to resemble bark while the hindwings flash warning colors.
Did You Know?
Despite the name lantern bug, its head projection does not glow; the myth originated from early naturalists' erroneous observations.
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.