Desert Stink Bug vs Sidewalk Darkling Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Stink Bug Sidewalk Darkling Beetle
Scientific Name Chlorochroa ligata Eleodes hispilabris
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Pentatomidae Tenebrionidae
Size 12-16 mm 25-33 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Desert Stink Bug

A green shield bug with a distinctive orange or red border found in arid western North America. It feeds on a variety of desert shrubs and weeds.

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Did You Know?

It releases a pungent chemical from thoracic glands that smells like cilantro to some people.

Sidewalk Darkling Beetle

A common flightless darkling beetle seen walking desert trails at dusk. Its smooth black exoskeleton helps minimize water loss.

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Did You Know?

It can survive for weeks without water by extracting moisture from the dry food it eats.