Streamlined Backswimmer vs Ornate Shieldbug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Streamlined Backswimmer | Ornate Shieldbug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Notonecta irrorata | Eurydema ornata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Notonectidae | Pentatomidae |
| Size | 10-13 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Southern Europe, Central Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Streamlined Backswimmer
A pale backswimmer with mottled wings found in still and slow-moving waters across North America. Like other backswimmers, it hangs just below the water surface film waiting for prey vibrations. It is a strong underwater swimmer.
Did You Know?
It senses prey by detecting surface water vibrations with specialized sensory hairs on its legs, effectively turning the water surface into a detection web.
Ornate Shieldbug
A vividly patterned shield bug with highly variable red, orange, white, or yellow markings on a black or metallic blue background. It feeds on brassica crops and wild crucifers.
Did You Know?
No two individuals look exactly alike, as the species exhibits more than 30 named color pattern varieties.