Golden-headed Micropterix vs Blue Shieldbug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden-headed Micropterix Blue Shieldbug
Scientific Name Micropterix aruncella Zicrona caerulea
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Micropterigidae Pentatomidae
Size 7-9 mm wingspan 5-8 mm
Habitat Wetlands Wetlands
Diet Pollen Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Golden-headed Micropterix

A tiny, metallic-headed moth that is among the most primitive living Lepidoptera. Adults have functional jaws instead of a proboscis and feed on pollen. A living fossil.

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Did You Know?

Retains functional chewing jaws like its ancient ancestors, predating the evolution of the typical butterfly proboscis by millions of years.

Blue Shieldbug

A metallic blue-green predatory stink bug found across Europe and Asia. It specializes in hunting flea beetles and other small chrysomelid beetles on low vegetation.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the very few stink bugs in Europe with a brilliant metallic blue sheen, making it unmistakable.