Gumtree Shield Bug vs Wax Scale
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gumtree Shield Bug | Wax Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilometis strigatus | Ceroplastes destructor |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Pentatomidae | Coccidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | Oceania, Africa |
| 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.
Wax Scale
A scale insect that covers itself with a thick waxy dome for protection.
Did You Know?
Its waxy covering can be nearly a centimeter thick and perfectly dome-shaped.