Thorn Bug vs Creosote Bush Grasshopper Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thorn Bug | Creosote Bush Grasshopper Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Umbonia crassicornis | Bootettix argentatus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Membracidae | Miridae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Central America, South America, North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Thorn Bug
Extraordinary treehopper with a thorn-shaped pronotum that makes it look exactly like a plant thorn when sitting on a branch. Mothers guard eggs and nymphs aggressively.
Did You Know?
Treehoppers have evolved the most bizarre body shapes of any insect — their enlarged pronotum can mimic thorns, helicopter blades, antlers, and even ant-like forms.
Creosote Bush Grasshopper Bug
A tiny plant bug exclusively associated with creosote bush in North American deserts. Its silvery-green coloring blends perfectly with creosote foliage.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few insects that can tolerate the highly toxic resins of the creosote bush.