Columbian Flower Planthopper vs Koa Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Columbian Flower Planthopper Koa Bug
Scientific Name Poekilloptera phalaenoides Coleotichus blackburniae
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Flatidae Scutelleridae
Size 15-20 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Central America, South America Hawaii
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Columbian Flower Planthopper

A large and spectacular flatid with broad white wings marked with black spots, closely resembling a moth. Groups of nymphs produce masses of white waxy filaments on branches.

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Did You Know?

Clusters of waxy-coated nymphs on a branch can look like a fungal growth or cotton mass, providing effective communal camouflage.

Koa Bug

A colorful jewel bug endemic to Hawaii with metallic green, gold, and red coloring. It feeds on koa and other native trees.

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Did You Know?

Invasive parasitoid wasps have drastically reduced its numbers across the Hawaiian Islands.