Mountain Shieldbug vs Alpine Click Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Shieldbug | Alpine Click Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Canthophorus impressus | Hypnoidus rivularius |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cydnidae | Elateridae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Mountains |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Scotland, northern Russia, alpine Europe | Northern Europe, Alps, Scandinavia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mountain Shieldbug
A small, dark brown to black burrowing shieldbug found in Arctic and alpine habitats. It has a broadly oval body with a prominent scutellum. Adults live at the base of plants and in soil crevices.
Did You Know?
This shieldbug emits a strong defensive odor when disturbed, which is particularly pungent in cold Arctic air.
Alpine Click Beetle
A small, dark click beetle found in damp alpine and subalpine habitats. Its larvae develop in moist soil among grass roots.
Did You Know?
Like all click beetles, it can launch itself into the air with an audible click to escape predators.