About Citrus Spittlebug
A small oval-shaped spittlebug with dark brown and cream banding. Nymphs produce frothy spittle masses on pecan, citrus, and other trees throughout the southeastern United States.
Did You Know?
Spittle masses produced by the nymphs can be so abundant on pecan trees that they rain down on people walking beneath, giving the impression of a light drizzle.
How to Identify Citrus Spittlebug
Citrus Spittlebug (Clastoptera undulata) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Clastopteridae. Adults typically measure 4-6 mm.
Citrus Spittlebug Habitat
Citrus Spittlebug is found in orchards habitats, particularly across Southeastern United States, Mexico. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Citrus Spittlebug Diet and Feeding
Citrus Spittlebug feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is Citrus Spittlebug Found?
Citrus Spittlebug can be found in Southeastern United States, Mexico, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Citrus Spittlebug can be found
Is Citrus Spittlebug Dangerous?
Citrus Spittlebug is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Citrus Spittlebug Role in Nature
Citrus Spittlebug is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Citrus Spittlebug
What does Citrus Spittlebug look like?
The Citrus Spittlebug typically measures 4-6 mm.
Where is Citrus Spittlebug found?
The Citrus Spittlebug is found in Southeastern United States, Mexico and typically inhabits orchards environments.
What does Citrus Spittlebug eat?
The Citrus Spittlebug feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Citrus Spittlebug dangerous to humans?
The Citrus Spittlebug is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Citrus Spittlebug?
Spittle masses produced by the nymphs can be so abundant on pecan trees that they rain down on people walking beneath, giving the impression of a light drizzle.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Citrus Spittlebug (Clastoptera undulata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/citrus-spittlebug
MLA:
"Citrus Spittlebug." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/citrus-spittlebug.