San Jose Scale vs Ambush Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | San Jose Scale | Ambush Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diaspidiotus perniciosus | Phymata americana |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Diaspididae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm diameter | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Meadows |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Worldwide temperate regions | North America |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its discovery in San Jose, California in 1880 led to the first plant quarantine law in the United States.
Ambush Bug
A small crab-like bug that waits motionless on flowers to ambush visiting pollinators.
Did You Know?
It can capture prey many times its own size with its powerful raptorial forelegs.