Codling Moth vs Tarnished Plant Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Codling Moth | Tarnished Plant Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cydia pomonella | Lygus lineolaris |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Tortricidae | Miridae |
| Size | 14-22 mm wingspan | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Farmland |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide (cosmopolitan) | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Codling Moth
A small grey-brown moth whose larvae are the proverbial worm in the apple. It is the most economically important pest of apples worldwide.
Did You Know?
It was one of the first insects to develop resistance to DDT in the 1940s.
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.
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.'