Mountain Seed Bug vs Hawthorn Shieldbug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Seed Bug Hawthorn Shieldbug
Scientific Name Nysius helveticus Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Lygaeidae Acanthosomatidae
Size 3-5 mm body length 13-17 mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Seed Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Alps, Central European mountains Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mountain Seed Bug

A small seed bug found in alpine and subalpine grasslands across Europe. It feeds on seeds and sap of various mountain plants.

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Did You Know?

Large swarms sometimes form on mountain summits during warm summer days.

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.'