Madagascar Spittle Bug vs Japanese Giant Water Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Madagascar Spittle Bug | Japanese Giant Water Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bourgoinrana madagascariensis | Lethocerus deyrolli |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cercopidae | Belostomatidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 48-65 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Madagascar | East Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Madagascar Spittle Bug
A small, dark planthopper that produces frothy spittle masses on plant stems as a nymph. Adults are dark brown to black with subtle banded markings on the wings.
Did You Know?
Nymphs surround themselves with a mass of frothy bubbles made from excreted xylem fluid, which protects them from desiccation and predators.
Japanese Giant Water Bug
Known as 'ta-garame' in Japanese, this is one of Japan's largest aquatic insects. A fearsome ambush predator that can catch small fish and frogs. Has declined dramatically due to habitat loss.
Did You Know?
Males of this species guard the eggs, which the female glues to emergent vegetation above water, by periodically climbing up to moisten them.