Box Sucker vs Water Scorpion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Box Sucker Water Scorpion
Scientific Name Psylla buxi Nepa cinerea
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Psyllidae Nepidae
Size 2-3 mm 18-22 mm
Habitat Gardens Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Box Sucker

A tiny jumping plant louse that causes cupping and distortion of box leaves. Nymphs produce waxy secretions. Can cause significant damage to ornamental box hedges.

💡

Did You Know?

Causes the characteristic cupped and distorted leaves seen on many box hedges in spring.

Water Scorpion

A flat aquatic bug that lurks in shallow water resembling a dead leaf. It breathes through a long tail-like siphon that breaks the water surface.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite its name and scorpion-like raptorial forelegs, the water scorpion is a weak swimmer and instead ambushes prey from vegetation.