Sumac Gall Aphid vs Deraeocoris Plant Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sumac Gall Aphid | Deraeocoris Plant Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melaphis rhois | Deraeocoris ruber |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Pemphigidae | Miridae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Orchards |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Sumac Gall Aphid
A gall-forming aphid that produces large hollow galls on sumac trees in which colonies live and reproduce. Soldier nymphs defend the gall from invaders using their thickened front legs.
Did You Know?
Their soldier caste is composed of sterile first-instar nymphs that sacrifice their development to protect the colony.
Deraeocoris Plant Bug
A small, shiny dark reddish-brown to black predatory plant bug found across Europe. It feeds on aphids, spider mites, and psyllids on various trees and shrubs. The coloration is highly variable, ranging from red to nearly black.
Did You Know?
Its extreme color variation confused early taxonomists who described several different species that were later found to be a single, highly polymorphic species.