Cotton Aphid vs Australian Harlequin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cotton Aphid | Australian Harlequin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphis gossypii | Dindymus versicolor |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Aphididae | Pyrrhocoridae |
| Size | 1-1.8 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Underground |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Worldwide | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
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.
Australian Harlequin Bug
A small but conspicuous red and black bug that often aggregates in large numbers on tree trunks, fences, and walls during autumn. Its bright colouration warns predators of its foul-tasting defensive secretions.
Did You Know?
Harlequin bugs produce a pungent smell when disturbed, and large aggregations can number in the thousands.