Forest Bug vs Ilex Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Forest Bug Ilex Hairstreak
Scientific Name Pentatoma rufipes Satyrium ilicis
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Pentatomidae Lycaenidae
Size 13-16 mm 30-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Southern and central Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Forest Bug

A large European shield bug with distinctive red-orange legs and a small tooth on each shoulder. It is arboreal and common on deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

Despite being mainly herbivorous, it occasionally turns predatory and feeds on caterpillars and other soft insects.

Ilex Hairstreak

A small dark brown butterfly with an orange band on the underside of its hindwings and a tiny tail projection. It is strongly associated with young oak growth and coppiced woodland.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name suggesting holly (ilex), it feeds exclusively on oak and was misidentified when first described.