Tarnished Plant Bug vs Ambush Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tarnished Plant Bug | Ambush Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lygus lineolaris | Phymata americana |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Miridae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Meadows |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tarnished Plant Bug
A small, mottled brown and green plant bug that is one of the most damaging agricultural pests in North America. It feeds on over 300 plant species, causing distorted growth and blemished fruits. The adults are strong fliers that readily colonize new fields.
Did You Know?
Its feeding injects a toxin that destroys plant cells around the feeding site, causing the characteristic dimpled, scarred appearance on strawberries known as 'catfacing.'
Ambush Bug
A small crab-like bug that waits motionless on flowers to ambush visiting pollinators.
Did You Know?
It can capture prey many times its own size with its powerful raptorial forelegs.