Squash Bug vs Koa Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Squash Bug | Koa Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anasa tristis | Coleotichus blackburniae |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Coreidae | Scutelleridae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Hawaii |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Squash Bug
A flat, dark grayish-brown bug that is a major pest of squash and pumpkin plants. When crushed, it emits a distinctly unpleasant odor similar to stink bugs.
Did You Know?
Squash bugs inject toxic saliva while feeding that causes a condition called anasa wilt, which can kill entire squash vines within days of a heavy infestation.
Koa Bug
A colorful jewel bug endemic to Hawaii with metallic green, gold, and red coloring. It feeds on koa and other native trees.
Did You Know?
Invasive parasitoid wasps have drastically reduced its numbers across the Hawaiian Islands.