tarnished plant bug

insect

Also known as: Lygus pratensis

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris) is a common insect in eastern North America. It belongs to the order Heteroptera and is known for damaging plants by sucking sap from buds, leaves, and fruits.1

Plant bugs, in general, are small, soft-bodied insects, typically less than 10 mm long, with four-segmented antennae and a beak. The tarnished plant bug is about 6 mm long and is dark in color with yellow, black, and red markings. These insects can be found worldwide and are considered significant agricultural pests, though some species are beneficial by preying on other insects.2

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plant bug
The tarnished plant bug (Lygus pratensis), a well-known pest in North America, feeds on many plants, ranging from trees to grasses and cereals. It is about 6 mm long and is dark in colour—with yellow, black, and red markings. The use of insecticides and the elimination…
Read More
The tarnished plant bug (Lygus pratensis), a well-known pest in North America, feeds on many plants, ranging from trees to grasses and cereals. It is about 6 mm long and is dark in colour—with yellow, black, and red markings. The use of insecticides and the elimination…
Read More