Flatid Planthopper vs Peachtree Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flatid Planthopper Peachtree Borer
Scientific Name Metcalfa pruinosa Synanthedon exitiosa
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Flatidae Sesiidae
Size 5-8 mm 25–33 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions North America, Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Peachtree Borer

A clearwing moth that is the most destructive borer of peach trees in North America. Larvae feed in the bark at the soil line of stone fruit trees.

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Did You Know?

A single larva can girdle and kill a young peach tree in one season by feeding completely around the trunk base.