Tarnished Plant Bug vs Koa Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tarnished Plant Bug | Koa Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lygus lineolaris | Coleotichus blackburniae |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Miridae | Scutelleridae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Hawaii |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
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.'
Koa Bug
A colorful jewel bug endemic to Hawaii with metallic green, gold, and red coloring. It feeds on koa and other native trees.
Did You Know?
Invasive parasitoid wasps have drastically reduced its numbers across the Hawaiian Islands.