Insect Gallery

Pecan Spittlebug
Image courtesy of Clemson University, USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Service, Bugwood.org

Insect Details

Name: Spittlebug

Latin Name: Clastoptera schatina C. obtuse

Description: Adults are small, about 1/8 inch long, brown, with a reddish tinge, and have darker brown areas on the middle of the forewings. The nymphs are small, about 1/16 inch long, creamy-white to green and wingless.

Insects Life Cycle: Spittlebugs overwinter in the egg stage in the bark on twigs of the previous season’s growth. Nymphs appear in spring soon after the nuts are set and may be seen throughout the summer.

Insects Symptons: Spittlebugs suck juices from buds, tender shoots, or nut clusters in spring and mid-summer. Heavy infestations rarely kill terminal shoots; however, damage may result in a smaller crop. Older nuts are reduced in quality. Infestations are characterized by the white, spit-like froth that covers the nymphs.