Tarnished Plant Bug
insectLygus lineolaris
Brownish bug that feeds on many crops causing distorted fruits and flowers.
Identification
1/4 inch mottled brown bug with yellow triangle on back. Very active, flies readily. Nymphs are small and green.
Damage & Symptoms
Catfacing on strawberries. Distorted flowers. Button-shaped strawberries. Blossom drop. Sunken spots on fruits.
Organic Control
Row covers. White sticky traps. Remove weed hosts. Neem oil.
Chemical Control
Malathion. Permethrin.
Prevention
Mow surrounding weeds before they seed. Row covers during bloom. Remove weed hosts (pigweed, lamb's-quarters, chickweed).
Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm