Locust Treehopper vs Deraeocoris Plant Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Locust Treehopper Deraeocoris Plant Bug
Scientific Name Thelia bimaculata Deraeocoris ruber
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Membracidae Miridae
Size 8-11 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Grasslands Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Predators
Regions Eastern North America Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Locust Treehopper

A large, dull-colored treehopper found on black locust trees across eastern North America. It produces copious honeydew that attracts ant attendants.

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Did You Know?

Ant colonies compete fiercely over access to these treehoppers, as they are prolific honeydew producers.

Deraeocoris Plant Bug

A small, shiny dark reddish-brown to black predatory plant bug found across Europe. It feeds on aphids, spider mites, and psyllids on various trees and shrubs. The coloration is highly variable, ranging from red to nearly black.

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Did You Know?

Its extreme color variation confused early taxonomists who described several different species that were later found to be a single, highly polymorphic species.