Harlequin Bug vs Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Harlequin Bug Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Murgantia histrionica Scarabaeus sacer
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Pentatomidae Scarabaeidae
Size 8-11 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Sap Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions North America Africa, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Harlequin Bug

A boldly patterned stink bug with striking black and orange or red markings arranged in a harlequin pattern. It is a significant pest of cabbage and other cruciferous crops.

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Did You Know?

Female harlequin bugs lay their barrel-shaped eggs in precise double rows of 12, resembling tiny black-and-white striped barrels arranged like dominos.

Dung Beetle

Sacred to ancient Egyptians who associated them with the sun god Ra. They roll balls of dung for food and breeding. Navigate using the Milky Way.

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Did You Know?

Dung beetles are the only known animals to navigate using the Milky Way — they use the band of light to roll their dung balls in a straight line.