Saratoga Spittlebug vs Water Scorpion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saratoga Spittlebug Water Scorpion
Scientific Name Aphrophora saratogensis Nepa cinerea
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Aphrophoridae Nepidae
Size 8-11 mm 18-22 mm
Habitat Farmland Ponds & Lakes
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Saratoga Spittlebug

A spittlebug that is a serious pest of young red pine plantations in North America. Its feeding causes branch dieback and tree mortality.

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Did You Know?

Outbreaks in pine plantations have killed thousands of young trees, making it a significant forestry pest.

Water Scorpion

A flat aquatic bug that lurks in shallow water resembling a dead leaf. It breathes through a long tail-like siphon that breaks the water surface.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name and scorpion-like raptorial forelegs, the water scorpion is a weak swimmer and instead ambushes prey from vegetation.