Hawthorn dark bug

Insect

Hawthorn dark bug

Heterocordylus malinus Reuter

Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae

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


The young adult is black with red wing markings (A), which disappear a few days after it metamorphoses into an adult.

  • Crops Affected: apples, pears

    Damage

    Attacks apple and pear. Nymph causes slight depressions on the fruit that disappear as the fruit develops.

    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 pear plant bug or green apple bug [Lygocoris communis (Knight)].

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