Grain Aphid vs Cotton Stainer Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Grain Aphid Cotton Stainer Bug
Scientific Name Sitobion avenae Dysdercus suturellus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Aphididae Pyrrhocoridae
Size 1.5-3 mm 12-17 mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Herbivores Seed Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa, South America North America, Central America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Grain Aphid

A major pest of cereal crops in Europe and other temperate regions. It feeds on ears and leaves, reducing grain quality and transmitting barley yellow dwarf virus.

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Did You Know?

Feeding on wheat ears during grain fill can reduce thousand-kernel weight by up to 20%.

Cotton Stainer Bug

A red and black bug that stains cotton bolls by introducing fungal spores while feeding.

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Did You Know?

Aggregations of hundreds gather on fallen cotton bolls and hibiscus seed pods.