Cotton Aphid vs Darling Underwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cotton Aphid Darling Underwing
Scientific Name Aphis gossypii Catocala cara
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Aphididae Erebidae
Size 1-1.8 mm 75-90 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Worldwide Eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States
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.

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Did You Know?

Its body color varies from yellow to nearly black depending on temperature, crowding, and host plant quality.

Darling Underwing

A large underwing moth with cryptic gray-brown forewings and striking pinkish-red hindwings banded with black. It is commonly attracted to sugaring baits.

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Did You Know?

Its Latin name cara means 'darling' or 'beloved,' referencing the beautiful pink hindwings hidden under its bark-like forewings.