Tarnished Plant Bug

Natural Habitat

Found across North America in gardens, orchards, agricultural fields, and meadows with various host plants.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous herbivore that feeds on more than 385 plant species, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers, by piercing plant tissue and sucking out juices.

Behavior Patterns

Active flyers that overwinter as adults in leaf litter or under bark. They produce multiple generations per year and are most active during warm, dry weather.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural pest that causes necrosis, stunted growth, and 'cat-facing' deformities in fruits. They provide no significant benefits to humans and are generally harmless to people as they do not bite or sting.

Identified on: 6/14/2026