Soybean Aphid vs Mountain Shieldbug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Soybean Aphid Mountain Shieldbug
Scientific Name Aphis glycines Canthophorus impressus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Aphididae Cydnidae
Size 1-1.5 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Farmland Tundra & Arctic
Diet Sap Feeders Root Feeders
Regions North America, East Asia Scandinavia, Scotland, northern Russia, alpine Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Soybean Aphid

A small pale yellow aphid that invaded North America in 2000 and became the most important soybean pest on the continent. Dense colonies stunt plants and reduce pod fill.

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Did You Know?

Populations can double every two to three days under favorable conditions, reaching tens of thousands per plant.

Mountain Shieldbug

A small, dark brown to black burrowing shieldbug found in Arctic and alpine habitats. It has a broadly oval body with a prominent scutellum. Adults live at the base of plants and in soil crevices.

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Did You Know?

This shieldbug emits a strong defensive odor when disturbed, which is particularly pungent in cold Arctic air.