Western Corsair vs Neotropical Shield Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Corsair Neotropical Shield Bug
Scientific Name Rasahus thoracicus Edessa meditabunda
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Reduviidae Pentatomidae
Size 18-23 mm 12-17 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions Western North America, Mexico Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Western Corsair

A large, dark brown assassin bug found in western North America that occasionally enters homes and can deliver an intensely painful bite. It is nocturnal and attracted to lights. It preys on a variety of insects around buildings.

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Did You Know?

Its bite is so painful that it is sometimes mistaken for a scorpion sting, and the pain can persist for hours, earning it frequent complaints to pest control services.

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.