Hairy-legged Mining Bee vs Neotropical Shield Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hairy-legged Mining Bee | Neotropical Shield Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melitta tricincta | Edessa meditabunda |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Pentatomidae |
| Size | 9-11 mm | 12-17 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Hairy-legged Mining Bee
A rare and declining bee that is a strict specialist on red bartsia flowers. It has distinctive hairy hind legs used for carrying the wet, sticky pollen of its host plant.
Did You Know?
Its complete dependence on a single semi-parasitic plant species makes it one of the most ecologically specialized bees in Europe.
Neotropical Shield Bug
A medium-sized green and brown shield-shaped stink bug common in South American agriculture. It is an important pest of soybeans and other legumes.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, it releases aldehydes from thoracic glands that smell strongly of cilantro to repel attackers.