False Chinch Bug
Scientific Name: Nysius raphanus
Order & Family: Hemiptera: Lygaeidae
Size: 3 to 4 mm in length

Natural Habitat
Found in agricultural fields, grasslands, and gardens; common during dry periods when they migrate in search of moisture.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist herbivore that feeds on plant juices, specifically favoring mustard family plants (Brassicaceae) and various weeds.
Behavior Patterns
They exhibit large population explosions and mass migrations when their host plants dry out; they are primarily active during the day.
Risks & Benefits
Generally considered a minor agricultural pest that can damage crops in large numbers; they pose no physical risk to humans but can be a nuisance in residential areas.
Identified on: 6/8/2026