Seven-spotted Ladybird vs Neotropical Shield Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Seven-spotted Ladybird Neotropical Shield Bug
Scientific Name Hippodamia variegata Edessa meditabunda
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Coccinellidae Pentatomidae
Size 3-5 mm 12-17 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Seven-spotted Ladybird

A small, variably marked ladybird that is an important predator of aphids in agricultural settings. Often found in open, dry habitats. Less well-known than the common seven-spot.

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Did You Know?

Despite sharing a similar common name, this species is more tolerant of hot, dry conditions than the familiar seven-spot ladybird.

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.