Tessaratomid Giant Shield Bug vs Bronze Orange Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tessaratomid Giant Shield Bug Bronze Orange Bug
Scientific Name Tessaratoma papillosa Musgraveia sulciventris
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Tessaratomidae Tessaratomidae
Size 25-30 mm 20-25 mm
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions South and Southeast Asia, China Eastern Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tessaratomid Giant Shield Bug

A very large, robust shield bug that is a serious pest of lychee and longan trees in Asia. Adults are yellowish-brown and can spray a caustic defensive fluid. It is one of the largest true bugs in the Hemiptera order.

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Did You Know?

It can spray a caustic chemical from its thoracic glands that causes intense burning pain and temporary blindness if it contacts the eyes of a predator or person.

Bronze Orange Bug

A large, bronze-colored shield bug that is a pest of citrus trees in eastern Australia. Nymphs are bright green and change to bronze as they mature. It can squirt a foul-smelling, burning liquid at perceived threats.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive spray can cause skin burns and temporary blindness, and Australian gardeners are advised to wear eye protection when handling infested citrus trees.