Giant Bark Aphid vs North American Water Scorpion
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Bark Aphid | North American Water Scorpion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Longistigma caryae | Ranatra fusca |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Aphididae | Nepidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 28-40 mm including siphon |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| 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.
North American Water Scorpion
A stick-like aquatic predator found in ponds and marshes across eastern North America. It walks slowly on submerged vegetation to ambush prey.
Did You Know?
Despite being fully winged, it rarely flies and prefers to walk along the bottom of shallow ponds.