Tarnished Plant Bug vs Flat Silphid Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tarnished Plant Bug | Flat Silphid Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lygus lineolaris | Silpha tristis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Miridae | Silphidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Carrion Feeders |
| 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.'
Flat Silphid Beetle
A flattened, all-black silphid beetle with three raised ridges on each wing case. It feeds on snails and caterpillars rather than carrion.
Did You Know?
Unlike most silphids, it has shifted entirely to predation and is rarely found on carrion at all.