Aphid vs Cotton Stainer Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aphid Cotton Stainer Bug
Scientific Name Myzus persicae Dysdercus suturellus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Aphididae Pyrrhocoridae
Size 1-3 mm 12-17 mm
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Sap Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Worldwide North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Aphid

Tiny sap-sucking insects with extraordinary reproduction. Can reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis) and give birth to live young that are already pregnant, telescoping generations.

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Did You Know?

Aphids can telescope generations — a female can contain a developing daughter, who already has a developing granddaughter inside her, all without mating.

Cotton Stainer Bug

A red and black bug that stains cotton bolls by introducing fungal spores while feeding.

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Did You Know?

Aggregations of hundreds gather on fallen cotton bolls and hibiscus seed pods.