Gumtree Shield Bug vs Click Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gumtree Shield Bug | Click Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilometis strigatus | Alaus oculatus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Pentatomidae | Elateridae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 25-45 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gumtree Shield Bug
A large shield bug commonly found on eucalyptus trees across Australia. It has a distinctive brown and cream patterned body with a broad, shield-shaped pronotum.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, it releases a powerful stink from thoracic glands that can linger on human skin for hours.
Click Beetle
Has a special mechanism that allows it to snap its body with a click, launching itself up to 30 cm into the air. The large eyespots on its thorax startle predators.
Did You Know?
Click beetles launch themselves into the air without using their legs — they use a peg-and-groove mechanism on their thorax that releases like a spring, reaching accelerations of 400g.