Rosy Apple Aphid vs San Jose Scale
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rosy Apple Aphid | San Jose Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dysaphis plantaginea | Diaspidiotus perniciosus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Aphididae | Diaspididae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 1-2 mm diameter |
| Habitat | Orchards | Orchards |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Western Asia | Worldwide temperate regions |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Rosy Apple Aphid
A purplish-gray aphid covered in a dusky waxy bloom that causes severe leaf curling and fruit deformation on apple trees. It is considered the most damaging aphid pest of apples.
Did You Know?
Even small colonies in spring can cause 'aphid apples' - stunted, misshapen fruit with a characteristic bumpy surface that makes them unmarketable.
San Jose Scale
A tiny armored scale insect that forms gray encrustations on the bark and fruit of apple, pear, and stone fruit trees. It was one of the first pests to prompt quarantine legislation.
Did You Know?
Its discovery in San Jose, California in 1880 led to the first plant quarantine law in the United States.