Elm Seed Bug vs Horned Aphid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Elm Seed Bug | Horned Aphid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arocatus melanocephalus | Tuberaphis styraci |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Lygaeidae | Hormaphididae |
| Size | 6-7 mm | 1-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe (native), Northwestern North America (invasive) | Japan, East Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Elm Seed Bug
A small seed bug native to southern Europe that has become an invasive nuisance pest in the northwestern United States. It aggregates in enormous numbers on and inside buildings in summer and fall.
Did You Know?
Thousands can invade a single home seeking shelter, producing a foul odor when disturbed or crushed.
Horned Aphid
A social aphid from East Asia that forms colonies defended by sterile soldier nymphs with horned heads. They live on styrax trees and produce a single soldier caste.
Did You Know?
Soldiers stab intruders with their sharp horns and inject a toxic secretion, dying in the process like a honeybee's suicide sting.