Australian Lace Bug vs Western Boxelder Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Lace Bug | Western Boxelder Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Froggattia olivinia | Boisea rubrolineata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Tingidae | Rhopalidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 11-14 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | Western North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Australian Lace Bug
A small sap-sucking bug that infests eucalyptus trees, producing unsightly black sooty mould on leaves. It has intricately patterned lace-like wing extensions that give the family its common name.
Did You Know?
Female lace bugs guard their eggs and young nymphs, a rare example of parental care in true bugs.
Western Boxelder Bug
A red and black bug very similar to the eastern boxelder bug but found in western North America. It forms large overwintering aggregations on buildings and fences near boxelder trees. It is a nuisance pest but causes no structural damage.
Did You Know?
When crushed, it stains fabrics and surfaces with a reddish-orange dye from its body fluids, which is why it should be vacuumed rather than squashed when found indoors.