Swede Midge vs Western Plant Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swede Midge | Western Plant Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Contarinia nasturtii | Lygus hesperus |
| Order | Diptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cecidomyiidae | Miridae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Western North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Swede Midge
A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.
Did You Know?
It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.
Western Plant Bug
A small, oval plant bug that is one of the most important cotton pests in the western United States. It is variable in color from pale green to dark brown. Feeding on cotton squares causes them to abscise, resulting in yield losses.
Did You Know?
When alfalfa hay is harvested, millions of these bugs take flight simultaneously and can migrate en masse to nearby cotton fields, causing sudden severe damage.