Box Sucker vs California Red Scale
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Box Sucker | California Red Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psylla buxi | Aonidiella aurantii |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Psyllidae | Diaspididae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 1.5-2 mm diameter |
| Habitat | Gardens | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Worldwide citrus-growing regions |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Box Sucker
A tiny jumping plant louse that causes cupping and distortion of box leaves. Nymphs produce waxy secretions. Can cause significant damage to ornamental box hedges.
Did You Know?
Causes the characteristic cupped and distorted leaves seen on many box hedges in spring.
California Red Scale
A circular reddish-brown armored scale insect that infests citrus bark, leaves, and fruit. Heavy infestations can kill branches and render fruit unmarketable.
Did You Know?
The parasitoid wasp Aphytis melinus is mass-reared by the billions to control this scale in California citrus orchards.