Gumtree Shield Bug vs Devil's Coach Horse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gumtree Shield Bug | Devil's Coach Horse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilometis strigatus | Ocypus olens |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Pentatomidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 22-32 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | Europe, introduced to 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.
Devil's Coach Horse
A large, matt-black rove beetle that raises its tail like a scorpion when threatened. It has powerful jaws and emits a foul smell.
Did You Know?
In medieval Ireland it was believed to have the power to curse a person it pointed its tail at.