South American Lanternfly vs Pine Spittlebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Lanternfly Pine Spittlebug
Scientific Name Enchophora sanguinea Aphrophora cribrata
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Fulgoridae Aphrophoridae
Size 35-50 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador) North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

South American Lanternfly

A bright red and black fulgorid planthopper with a moderately elongated head process. It feeds on tree sap in tropical forests and is most active at night. When disturbed, it reveals hindwings with dark eyespot patterns.

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Did You Know?

Despite the name lanternfly, neither this species nor any other fulgorid actually produces light.

Pine Spittlebug

A large spittlebug that feeds on pine and other conifers, producing masses of froth on branches. Heavy infestations can cause branch dieback in young pine plantations.

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Did You Know?

A single nymph can produce several milliliters of spittle per hour by pumping air into excreted xylem fluid.