Apple red bug

Insect

Apple red bug

Lygidea mendax Reuter

Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae

Distribution: Most fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America.

Photos

Damage develops into brownish, rough, flat scars.

Damage develops into brownish, rough, flat scars. Bernard Drouin, Ministry of Ag., Fisheries, and Food
B

Adult has head and thorax bright red in color with brown wings (A).

  • Crops Affected: apples, pears

    Damage

    Attacks apple and pear. The nymph of the apple red bug stings the fruit, causing the appearance of a sap droplet. The damage develops into brownish, rough flat scars (B) on the apple.

    Management

    Application of broad-spectrum insecticides, if necessary, soon after petal fall (seldom required).

    Similar Species

    The tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris) can be distinguished by its coloration, particularly its cream-colored scutellum. Contrast also with apple brown bug (Atractotomus mali); pear plant bug or green apple bug [Lygocoris communis (Knight)] and hawthorn dark bug (Heterocordylus malinus Reuter).

More Information on Similar Species

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