Mexican Antlion vs Anchor Stink Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mexican Antlion Anchor Stink Bug
Scientific Name Vella americana Stiretrus anchorago
Order Neuroptera Hemiptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Pentatomidae
Size 65-85 mm wingspan 8-11 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Farmland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Southwestern United States, Mexico North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mexican Antlion

A robust antlion found across the southern United States and Mexico. Recognized by its large size and boldly marked forewings.

💡

Did You Know?

Adults are surprisingly strong fliers for antlions and actively hunt small moths at dusk.

Anchor Stink Bug

A predatory stink bug that is one of North America's most colorful pentatomids, with highly variable patterns of red, blue, black, and white. It preys on beetle larvae, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects.

💡

Did You Know?

It comes in dozens of strikingly different color patterns, making specimens from the same population look like different species.