Western Plant Bug vs Cotton Harlequin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Plant Bug | Cotton Harlequin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lygus hesperus | Tectocoris diophthalmus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Miridae | Scutelleridae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Western Plant Bug
A small, oval plant bug that is one of the most important cotton pests in the western United States. It is variable in color from pale green to dark brown. Feeding on cotton squares causes them to abscise, resulting in yield losses.
Did You Know?
When alfalfa hay is harvested, millions of these bugs take flight simultaneously and can migrate en masse to nearby cotton fields, causing sudden severe damage.
Cotton Harlequin Bug
One of Australia's most colourful insects, with a brilliant metallic orange and iridescent blue-black shield-shaped body. The colour pattern varies between individuals, with females being larger and more brightly marked.
Did You Know?
Females guard their eggs and young nymphs, standing over them protectively in a rare display of maternal care for a bug.