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Photo#200951
Bug feeding on my tomato plants...but it's not an aphid, is it? - Antianthe expansa
Copyright © 2008 Mkindc

Bug feeding on my tomato plants...but it's not an aphid, is it? - Antianthe expansa
Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, USA
July 12, 2008
Size: 5mm
These insects are gathering on my tomato plants in large bunches (hundreds). They gather only on the vines, not the leaves or fruits. This image shows one right-side up and another upside-down. I first thought these were aphids, but I've never seen this coloring or body type on an aphid. I took samples to my local nursery and stumped all the experts. Any ideas?
Contributed by Mkindc on 13 July, 2008 - 12:23am
Last updated 17 July, 2008 - 8:19am

Moved
Moved from True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies.
… john and jane balaban, 17 July, 2008 - 8:19am

nymphal Membracidae
These are very young nymphs; and you ought to have a side view before identifying them. But, judging by the length of the spines on the abdomen, they are probably Antianthe expansa, which is known to attack tomatoes. See 16859#42820 for other photos.
… Andy Hamilton, 17 July, 2008 - 8:10am

Looks like the nymph
of a Membracid. Dr Hamilton will know!
… john and jane balaban, 13 July, 2008 - 12:45am

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