Flatid Planthopper vs Koa Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flatid Planthopper Koa Bug
Scientific Name Metcalfa pruinosa Coleotichus blackburniae
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Flatidae Scutelleridae
Size 5-8 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Orchards Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions North America, Europe Hawaii
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Flatid Planthopper

A small waxy-white planthopper native to North America that has invaded Europe. Nymphs produce long waxy filaments that make them look like tiny white flowers.

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Did You Know?

Large aggregations of waxy nymphs on a branch can be mistaken for fungal growth or strange white blossoms.

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.