Oak Treehopper vs Box Sucker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oak Treehopper Box Sucker
Scientific Name Platycotis vittata Psylla buxi
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Membracidae Psyllidae
Size 8-11 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Gardens
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Oak Treehopper

A colorful treehopper that feeds on oak twigs in eastern North America. Females exhibit maternal care by straddling their egg masses to protect them from parasitoids.

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Did You Know?

Color morphs range from turquoise to red-orange depending on the population.

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.