Hemlock Woolly Adelgid vs Florida Leaf-footed Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Florida Leaf-footed Bug
Scientific Name Adelges tsugae Acanthocephala femorata
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Adelgidae Coreidae
Size 0.8-1.5 mm 18-22 mm
Habitat Forests Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Asia, North America Southeastern United States, Caribbean
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

A devastating invasive pest of eastern hemlock in North America, originally from East Asia. It feeds at the base of needles, killing branches and eventually the tree.

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Did You Know?

It has killed millions of hemlocks from Georgia to Maine since its detection in the 1950s.

Florida Leaf-footed Bug

A large robust coreid bug with distinctive leaf-like expansions on its hind tibiae. It is dark brown to black with slightly expanded pronotal margins. Males possess greatly enlarged hind femora used in intrasexual combat.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, it can release a pungent spray from scent glands that smells like rotten almonds and can stain skin temporarily.