Moss Bug vs Box Sucker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Moss Bug Box Sucker
Scientific Name Peloridium hammoniorum Psylla buxi
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Peloridiidae Psyllidae
Size 2-4 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Forests Gardens
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions South America, Oceania Europe
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Moss Bug

A tiny, flattened, living fossil found only in moist moss and liverwort beds in the Southern Hemisphere. The family dates back to the Jurassic period and retains many primitive features.

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Did You Know?

Moss bugs belong to one of the most ancient surviving families of true bugs, essentially unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs over 150 million years ago.

Box Sucker

A tiny jumping plant louse that causes cupping and distortion of box leaves. Nymphs produce waxy secretions. Can cause significant damage to ornamental box hedges.

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Did You Know?

Causes the characteristic cupped and distorted leaves seen on many box hedges in spring.