Sumac Gall Aphid vs European Lygus Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sumac Gall Aphid | European Lygus Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melaphis rhois | Lygus rugulipennis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Pemphigidae | Miridae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Sap Feeders |
| 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.
European Lygus Bug
A variable greenish to reddish-brown plant bug that is a major pest of strawberries and lettuce in Europe. It has a characteristic heart-shaped marking on the scutellum. It feeds by injecting digestive enzymes into plant tissue.
Did You Know?
A single bug feeding on a strawberry flower can cause the entire fruit to become deformed, resulting in significant economic losses to growers.