Turnip Moth vs Mountain Shieldbug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Turnip Moth Mountain Shieldbug
Scientific Name Agrotis segetum Canthophorus impressus
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Noctuidae Cydnidae
Size 35-45 mm wingspan 4-6 mm
Habitat Farmland Tundra & Arctic
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe, Africa, Asia Scandinavia, Scotland, northern Russia, alpine Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Turnip Moth

A drab brown moth whose fat cutworm larvae sever the stems and roots of root vegetables and seedlings. It is one of the most widespread cutworm pests in the Old World.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can survive extended periods of drought by burrowing deep into the soil and entering a dormant state.

Mountain Shieldbug

A small, dark brown to black burrowing shieldbug found in Arctic and alpine habitats. It has a broadly oval body with a prominent scutellum. Adults live at the base of plants and in soil crevices.

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Did You Know?

This shieldbug emits a strong defensive odor when disturbed, which is particularly pungent in cold Arctic air.