Tropical Bed Bug vs Tarnished Plant Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tropical Bed Bug | Tarnished Plant Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cimex hemipterus | Lygus lineolaris |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cimicidae | Miridae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, Africa, South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tropical Bed Bug
A tropical relative of the common bed bug that also feeds on human blood. It is the dominant bed bug species in many parts of the tropics.
Did You Know?
It can hybridize with the common bed bug in laboratory settings, though hybrids are infertile.
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.'