South American Spittlebug vs Elm Seed Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South American Spittlebug | Elm Seed Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deois flavopicta | Arocatus melanocephalus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cercopidae | Lygaeidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 6-7 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Underground |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela | Europe (native), Northwestern North America (invasive) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
South American Spittlebug
A dark brown and yellow spittlebug that is a major pest of tropical pasture grasses in Brazil. Nymphs produce protective frothy spittle masses on grass stems.
Did You Know?
Outbreaks can damage millions of hectares of Brazilian pasture, causing estimated annual losses of over $2 billion.
Elm Seed Bug
A small seed bug native to southern Europe that has become an invasive nuisance pest in the northwestern United States. It aggregates in enormous numbers on and inside buildings in summer and fall.
Did You Know?
Thousands can invade a single home seeking shelter, producing a foul odor when disturbed or crushed.