Birch Shieldbug vs Red Assassin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Birch Shieldbug Red Assassin Bug
Scientific Name Elasmostethus interstinctus Rhynocoris iracundus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Acanthosomatidae Reduviidae
Size 8-11mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Birch Shieldbug

A bright green and copper shield bug found on birch trees. It has distinctive dark shoulder patches.

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Did You Know?

One of the most attractively colored European shield bugs with its combination of bright green and copper tones.

Red Assassin Bug

A striking red and black assassin bug common in European meadows and grasslands. It is a generalist predator that hunts among flowers and vegetation. The bright red coloration serves as a warning to potential predators.

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Did You Know?

It hunts by ambush among wildflowers, using its raptorial forelegs to snatch visiting pollinators and other flower-visiting insects.