Flatid Planthopper vs Western Corsair

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flatid Planthopper Western Corsair
Scientific Name Metcalfa pruinosa Rasahus thoracicus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Flatidae Reduviidae
Size 5-8 mm 18-23 mm
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Predators
Regions North America, Europe Western North America, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Western Corsair

A large, dark brown assassin bug found in western North America that occasionally enters homes and can deliver an intensely painful bite. It is nocturnal and attracted to lights. It preys on a variety of insects around buildings.

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Did You Know?

Its bite is so painful that it is sometimes mistaken for a scorpion sting, and the pain can persist for hours, earning it frequent complaints to pest control services.