Bordered Plant Bug vs Tarnished Plant Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bordered Plant Bug Tarnished Plant Bug
Scientific Name Largus californicus Lygus lineolaris
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Largidae Miridae
Size 12-17 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Farmland
Diet Sap Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bordered Plant Bug

A dark blue-black bug with bright orange margins common in arid parts of California. Nymphs are iridescent blue and gather in large groups.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs cluster in spectacular iridescent blue groups that can number in the hundreds on a single plant.

Tarnished Plant Bug

A small, mottled brown and green plant bug that is one of the most damaging agricultural pests in North America. It feeds on over 300 plant species, causing distorted growth and blemished fruits. The adults are strong fliers that readily colonize new fields.

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Did You Know?

Its feeding injects a toxin that destroys plant cells around the feeding site, causing the characteristic dimpled, scarred appearance on strawberries known as 'catfacing.'