Shield Bug vs Stinking Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Shield Bug Stinking Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Palomena prasina Ocypus nero
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Pentatomidae Staphylinidae
Size 12-14 mm 16-25 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Shield Bug

Also called stink bugs for the foul-smelling liquid they release when disturbed. Changes color from bright green in summer to bronze-brown before overwintering.

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Did You Know?

Shield bugs can change color with the seasons — they produce green pigment in summer for leaf camouflage and switch to brown in autumn as leaves change.

Stinking Rove Beetle

A jet-black rove beetle with finely punctured elytra and a broad head. It emits a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive odour is produced by abdominal glands and is potent enough to deter birds and small mammals.