Apple red bug

Insect

Apple red bug

Lygidea mendax Reuter

Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae

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


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