Spittlebug vs Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spittlebug | Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Philaenus spumarius | Brennania belkini |
| Order | Hemiptera | Diptera |
| Family | Aphrophoridae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 1-1.5 cm |
| Habitat | Underground | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Spittlebug
A small, stout brown bug whose nymphs produce masses of frothy white "spittle" on plant stems. The foam protects them from predators, parasites, and desiccation.
Did You Know?
Spittlebug nymphs produce their protective foam by blowing air through a secretion from their abdomen, creating a humid microenvironment that shields them from the sun.
Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly
A rare horse fly known only from the El Segundo sand dunes in Los Angeles County. Larvae develop in the sand and adults are seldom encountered.
Did You Know?
Most of the El Segundo dunes were destroyed to build Los Angeles International Airport.