Whitefly vs Kudzu Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Whitefly Kudzu Bug
Scientific Name Bemisia tabaci Megacopta cribraria
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Aleyrodidae Plataspidae
Size 1-1.5 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Cosmopolitan in warm regions East Asia; invasive in southeastern US
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Whitefly

A tiny sap-sucking insect that transmits over 100 plant viruses worldwide. It is one of the most destructive agricultural pests in tropical and subtropical regions.

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Did You Know?

It is actually a complex of over 40 cryptic species that are morphologically nearly identical.

Kudzu Bug

A small, olive-green, globular beetle that feeds on kudzu and soybeans. It was first detected in North America in 2009.

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Did You Know?

It emits a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed, similar to stink bugs.