What is nysius raphanus?

Nysius raphanus, also known as the tarnished plant bug, is a common insect pest found in North America. It belongs to the family Lygaeidae and is about 4-5 mm in length. Its body is a brownish-grey color and it has distinct black and white markings on its wings.

The nymphs and adults of the tarnished plant bug feed on the juices of plants by piercing the plant tissue and sucking out the fluids. They will attack many different types of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and ornamental plants. This can cause distortion, discoloration, and damage to the plant, reducing its yield and overall health.

Nysius raphanus is able to overwinter in crop debris and weed hosts, making it a persistent pest. It is known to be resistant to many insecticides, so cultural practices such as crop rotation and weed management are important for controlling its population. Biological control methods such as introducing beneficial insects, like parasitic wasps, can also be effective.