Pecan Diseases and Pests and Their Control

by David W. Rosburg; D. R. King

PECAN SPITTLEBUG

In the spring and early summer a number of buds and small nuts may be covered with foamy white masses. Inside these masses are several small insects called spittlebugs, Clastoptera obtusa (Say). The white froth is produced probably to maintain an artificial high humidity, which is required for development. The adults resemble leafhoppers and fly actively during the summer.

This insect has not been known to cause any significant injury on pecans in Texas.