Giant Bark Aphid vs Arctic Water Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Bark Aphid | Arctic Water Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Longistigma caryae | Arctocorisa carinata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Aphididae | Corixidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | Arctic Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant Bark Aphid
The largest aphid in North America, with a body up to 6 mm long. It is grayish-brown with dark wing markings and feeds in conspicuous colonies on the bark of hardwood trees.
Did You Know?
Colonies on tree bark produce so much honeydew that it rains down onto cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture, creating a sticky nuisance in urban areas.
Arctic Water Bug
A small aquatic bug with a flattened body and oar-like hind legs for swimming. The back has fine transverse lines. It inhabits cold tundra ponds and lakes, swimming actively even in near-freezing water.
Did You Know?
Males produce sound by rubbing their front legs against their head to attract females, making them among the loudest animals relative to body size.