San Jose Scale vs Alpine Plant Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute San Jose Scale Alpine Plant Bug
Scientific Name Diaspidiotus perniciosus Lygus punctatus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Diaspididae Miridae
Size 1-2 mm diameter 4-6 mm body length
Habitat Orchards Mountains
Diet Fruit Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Worldwide temperate regions Europe, Alps, Northern Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Its discovery in San Jose, California in 1880 led to the first plant quarantine law in the United States.

Alpine Plant Bug

A small, variable plant bug found on alpine flowers and herbs. It feeds on plant sap and developing seeds.

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Did You Know?

It can change color depending on the flowers it feeds upon.