California Red Scale vs Pale Brown Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | California Red Scale | Pale Brown Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aonidiella aurantii | Theretra nessus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Diaspididae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm diameter | 55-75 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide citrus-growing regions | South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia |
| 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.
Pale Brown Hawk Moth
A sleek hawk moth with uniform brown coloring and darker lateral stripes along the body. It is widespread across tropical Asia and Australasia.
Did You Know?
Theretra nessus caterpillars undergo dramatic color changes between instars, shifting from green to brown as they mature.