#696: Shield Bug

The Shield Bugs belong to a Superfamily of "True bugs" characterised by their sucking mouthparts and well-developed scutellum (the hard casing above the abdomen). Species are also equipped with scent glands in the thorax. These release an unpleasant liquid, which is used to deter predators and also gives them their alternative name of "stink bug". They are not Beetles - their shell is continuously, not divided for wings.

There are around 200 species of Shield Bug. This Australian species is known as the Metallic Shield Bug. They can be found on leaf litter or other bark and feed on vegetation.