Predatory Stink Bug vs Gumtree Shield Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Predatory Stink Bug Gumtree Shield Bug
Scientific Name Eocanthecona furcellata Poecilometis strigatus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Pentatomidae Pentatomidae
Size 12-16 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions South and Southeast Asia, Australia Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Predatory Stink Bug

A medium-sized predatory shield bug used as a biological control agent in Asia and Australia. It feeds on caterpillars and other pest insects in cotton and vegetable crops. Adults are brown with an elongated head.

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Did You Know?

It is mass-reared in insectaries and released into cotton fields as a biological control agent against Helicoverpa bollworm, one of the world's worst crop pests.

Gumtree Shield Bug

A large shield bug commonly found on eucalyptus trees across Australia. It has a distinctive brown and cream patterned body with a broad, shield-shaped pronotum.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, it releases a powerful stink from thoracic glands that can linger on human skin for hours.