Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
giant shield bug
Agapophyta cf viridula
-1.83, 138.7
Field Notes
Description:
A "giant shield bug" (Tessaratomidae). "Tessaratomids resemble large stink bugs (family Pentatomidae) and are sometimes quite colorful. Most tessaratomids are Old World, with only three species known from the Neotropics. Some members of Tessaratomidae exhibit maternal care of eggs and offspring [SEE http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7120105 ]. The defensive chemicals of certain species can cause significant damage if they come into contact with human skin; they may also cause temporary blindness. All species are exclusively plant-eaters, some of major economic importance as agricultural pests. A few species are also consumed as human food in some countries."
Habitat:
Spotted on vegetation along a transect in secondary coastal lowland mixed freshwater swamp forest/sago swamp forest.
Comments (6)