Glassy-winged Sharpshooter vs Woundwort Shieldbug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Glassy-winged Sharpshooter | Woundwort Shieldbug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Homalodisca vitripennis | Eysarcoris venustissimus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadellidae | Pentatomidae |
| Size | 12-14 mm | 6-7 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Southeastern US, California, introduced to Tahiti and Hawaii | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Glassy-winged Sharpshooter
A large leafhopper that spreads Pierce's disease bacteria devastating to grapevines. It feeds on xylem sap and can process 300 times its body weight in fluid daily.
Did You Know?
It excretes so much liquid while feeding that it produces a fine rain beneath infested plants.
Woundwort Shieldbug
A small, compact bronze-green shield bug with a metallic sheen that feeds on woundwort and white dead-nettle. It has a broad, triangular scutellum and distinctively punctured pronotum. It is widespread in European grasslands.
Did You Know?
Despite its species name 'venustissimus' meaning 'most beautiful,' it is actually quite plain compared to many shield bugs, though its metallic bronze sheen is subtly attractive.