Thistle Lace Bug vs Cotton Harlequin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Thistle Lace Bug Cotton Harlequin Bug
Scientific Name Tingis cardui Tectocoris diophthalmus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Tingidae Scutelleridae
Size 3-4 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Farmland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions Europe Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Thistle Lace Bug

A small, beautifully structured lace bug found on creeping thistle. Wings have an intricate latticed pattern. Causes yellowing and stippling of thistle leaves.

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Did You Know?

The extraordinary wing structure is so delicate and ornate that it inspired Victorian microscopists.

Cotton Harlequin Bug

One of Australia's most colourful insects, with a brilliant metallic orange and iridescent blue-black shield-shaped body. The colour pattern varies between individuals, with females being larger and more brightly marked.

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Did You Know?

Females guard their eggs and young nymphs, standing over them protectively in a rare display of maternal care for a bug.