Thread-legged Bug vs Neotropical Shield Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Thread-legged Bug Neotropical Shield Bug
Scientific Name Emesaya brevipennis Edessa meditabunda
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Reduviidae Pentatomidae
Size 30-37 mm 12-17 mm
Habitat Caves Farmland
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions North America Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Thread-legged Bug

An extremely slender assassin bug with stick-like legs that hunts in spider webs. It plucks web strands to lure spiders close enough to seize and consume them.

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Did You Know?

It invades spider webs and mimics trapped prey vibrations to lure the resident spider within striking distance.

Neotropical Shield Bug

A medium-sized green and brown shield-shaped stink bug common in South American agriculture. It is an important pest of soybeans and other legumes.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, it releases aldehydes from thoracic glands that smell strongly of cilantro to repel attackers.