Hawthorn Shieldbug vs Owl Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hawthorn Shieldbug Owl Midge
Scientific Name Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale Clogmia albipunctata
Order Hemiptera Diptera
Family Acanthosomatidae Psychodidae
Size 13-17 mm 2-5 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Fruit Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Cosmopolitan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hawthorn Shieldbug

A large green-and-red shieldbug common on hawthorn trees across Europe. It produces a strong, pungent smell from thoracic scent glands when handled.

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Did You Know?

Its red-tipped abdomen peeking out from under the green wings gives it the memorable alternative name 'red-rumped shieldbug.'

Owl Midge

A small fuzzy moth-like fly found in bathrooms and drains worldwide. Its larvae feed on gelatinous films of bacteria inside drainage pipes.

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Did You Know?

Despite living in unsanitary conditions, it is not known to transmit any diseases to humans.