Potato Leafhopper vs Flower Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Potato Leafhopper | Flower Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Empoasca fabae | Orius insidiosus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadellidae | Anthocoridae |
| Size | 3-3.5 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America | North and South America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Potato Leafhopper
A small bright green leafhopper that causes hopperburn on potato, bean, and alfalfa leaves. It migrates northward each spring on storm fronts from the Gulf states.
Did You Know?
It runs sideways when disturbed, a distinctive behavior that helps distinguish it from other leafhoppers.
Flower Bug
A tiny predatory bug widely used in biological pest control against thrips and aphids. Despite its small size it is a voracious predator consuming dozens of prey daily.
Did You Know?
It is commercially mass-reared and sold to greenhouse growers as a living pesticide.