Pear plant bug (Green apple bug)

Insect

Pear plant bug (Green apple bug)

Lygocoris communis (Knight)

Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae

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

Photos

Damage resembles that of the apple red bug except the brownish scars are raised.

Damage resembles that of the apple red bug except the brownish scars are raised. Claire Fecteau, Ministry of Ag., Fisheries, and Food
B

The adult pear plant bug is brownish yellow with two dark bands on the thorax (A) and the extremities of its anterior wings are yellowish in color.

  • Crops Affected: apples, pears

    Damage

    Attacks apple and pear. Nymph stings the fruit causing the same damage as the apple red bug except that the brownish rough scars are raised (B).

    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); Apple red bug (Lygidea mendax Reuter) and Hawthorn dark bug (Heterocordylus malinus Reuter).

More Information on Similar Species

About

Resources

Events

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).