Greenhouse Whitefly vs Boxelder Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Greenhouse Whitefly | Boxelder Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Trialeurodes vaporariorum | Boisea trivittata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Aleyrodidae | Rhopalidae |
| Size | 1-1.5 mm | 11-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Greenhouse Whitefly
A white-winged sap-feeding insect commonly found in greenhouses and warm climates. Adults and nymphs produce honeydew that leads to sooty mold growth on plants.
Did You Know?
The parasitoid wasp Encarsia formosa has been commercially reared since the 1920s specifically to control this whitefly.
Boxelder Bug
A black and red bug that forms large aggregations on and around boxelder trees in autumn. It is commonly seen warming itself on sunny building walls before entering structures to overwinter. It is harmless but considered a nuisance pest.
Did You Know?
Thousands of individuals can aggregate on the south-facing walls of buildings on warm autumn days, creating dramatic displays before entering homes to overwinter in wall voids.