Big-legged Bug vs European Fruit Scale

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Big-legged Bug European Fruit Scale
Scientific Name Acanthocephala terminalis Parthenolecanium corni
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Coreidae Coccidae
Size 17-23 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Europe, North America, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Big-legged Bug

A large, dark coreid bug found in eastern North America with prominently expanded hind tibiae. The hind femora of males are greatly swollen with large spines. It feeds on a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

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Did You Know?

The exaggerated hind legs of males serve as weapons and signals of fitness, with larger-legged males winning more fights and mates.

European Fruit Scale

A polyphagous soft scale insect that infests fruit trees, ornamentals, and forest trees across Europe. Heavy infestations cause branch dieback.

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Did You Know?

Its domed brown scale covering makes it resemble a tiny helmet attached to the twig.