Sunflower Treehopper vs Squash Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sunflower Treehopper | Squash Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliria cristata | Anasa tristis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Membracidae | Coreidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sunflower Treehopper
A small brown treehopper with a tall dorsal crest on its pronotum that gives it a distinctive high-backed silhouette. It is commonly found on sunflowers and other composites.
Did You Know?
Its high pronotal crest may serve as a thermoregulatory surface, helping to dissipate heat while the insect feeds in exposed sunny locations.
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.