California Red Scale vs Desert Clicker Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | California Red Scale | Desert Clicker Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aonidiella aurantii | Ligurotettix coquilletti |
| Order | Hemiptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Diaspididae | Acrididae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm diameter | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Worldwide citrus-growing regions | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
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.
Desert Clicker Grasshopper
A small, slender grasshopper found exclusively on creosote bushes in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. Males produce rapid clicking songs to attract mates.
Did You Know?
It feeds on toxic creosote resin that deters most other herbivores, gaining chemical protection from predators.