Broad-Shouldered Water Strider vs Cotton Aphid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Broad-Shouldered Water Strider | Cotton Aphid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Microvelia americana | Aphis gossypii |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Veliidae | Aphididae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 1-1.8 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Orchards |
| Diet | Omnivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | North America, Central America, South America | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Broad-Shouldered Water Strider
A tiny water strider relative that walks on the surface of ponds and puddles. It is widespread across the Americas on still freshwater.
Did You Know?
At barely 2 mm long, it is so small that it can walk on water trapped in a single hoofprint.
Cotton Aphid
A small yellowish-green to dark green aphid that attacks cotton, cucurbits, and citrus worldwide. It transmits numerous plant viruses and produces copious honeydew.
Did You Know?
Its body color varies from yellow to nearly black depending on temperature, crowding, and host plant quality.